Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McPhillips. The issue with her Department's responses to parliamentary questions is not just confined to Deputy Alan Kelly. Historically, they have been poor. I am in my 21st year as a Deputy and at times, if I had hair on my head, I would be pulling it out, but I have damn near to having none left. At times the responses received are absolutely pathetic. It is as if an exercise has been embarked on to avoid actually giving the information sought. I do not know what the experience of other colleagues' is in that regard, but I ask Ms McPhillips, as the new acting Secretary General of the Department, to take on board the frustration of elected Members. Asking parliamentary questions is an important and integral part of our work and if there is not full disclosure to us, it frustrates our role and responsibility.

My final request is that in acknowledging representations or communications Ms McPhillips' office and Department please reference the issue raised. On different occasions, including in performing my role here, I have sent a number of communications. One receives a reply about representations made or communications sent "last week" and one has to ask which of them is being responded to. Other Departments can actually reference the issues raised. I ask that it also become part of the practice of the Department of Justice and Equality.