Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is unusual. Previously, when we sought to have the Minister attend and there was a clash in his diary, he would say that he would be available on such a day. This is the first time he has not indicated an alternative date. He did not actually say there was a clash in the diary, he referred to the pressure of work and his busy schedule. I would place a bet that if one went to the Members' bar at 11 a.m., the Minister would be there having his elvenses. He has deferred the matter to another organisation this morning and he has not offered an alternative date. That is out of sync with what, in fairness, he normally does. We have asked him to attend to discuss issues before. When he has not been able to come on the proposed date, he has always offered an alternative.