Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Chief Whip, Deputy Kitt, who is one of the Taoiseach's Ministers of State, is described on the Department's website as having among his tasks the operation of the pairing system. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on the role of the Chief Whip in this regard? For the benefit of those outside the House who have little or no understanding of this system, will the Taoiseach advise the House how it works week to week? I am sure he will agree that many of those watching this debate or who will read the report thereon will be very interested in the accusations of some Members on the Opposition benches, especially those of the Fine Gael Party, that there is a lack of Government accountability in this regard, particularly given the full——

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