Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I seek direction from the Chairman. The Secretary General has given a statement that has been read into the record.. I perceive it to be most unusual that in each case where he either avoids an answer or gives an answer, there is a carefully prepared written script. Is this normal? If it is, it is a deviation from the normal rules. Why does he not answer viva voce, off his own bat?