Mr. Brian Purcell:

I am not trying to be obstructive. It is possible that if someone is out of the office owing to illness that there would be a delay in correspondence or anything else being brought to their attention. I am aware that there was a period when the former Minister was absent owing to illness. I am sure he would have no problem with my saying that. The Senator will be aware that when a person is absent from the office due to illness nobody wants to disrupt their recovery by contacting them unless absolute necessary. People would naturally hold on to information until such time as the person returns to the office.