Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Last week was a prime example of the effects of Standing Order 218 and how it ties the hands of committee members. The whole purpose of the committee involves its probing nature and accountability systems, practice and procedures. Because of that Standing Order, witnesses who may have felt that they were coming in for quite a grilling if there was justification relating to practice and procedures will be only be too happy. I do not see how it serves the purpose of this committee. It would serve witnesses who are not forthcoming with information when requested. Regarding the practice whereby witnesses refuse to answer continues, if we had a penny for every time we were told last week that someone could not answer this or that question, we would be rich. If it is not changed, it will continuously make the purpose and remit of the committee more and more redundant.