Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I fully support the reservations expressed by a number of colleagues on this side of the House. This is a matter I have brought to the Ceann Comhairle's attention many times. We need to revert to the situation that used to prevail in the House. Ministers used to answer questions, reply to Adjournment matters and appear in the House without taking the long absences that some current Ministers regularly do. I will strongly object to any attempt to impose Standing Orders without adequate discussion in the House.

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