Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Given the importance of communications and broadcasting at present, what is the Government's intention regarding the Broadcasting Authority Bill, which has been promised for some time? I would like to know the Government's innermost thoughts on this, if possible.

An issue causing concern nationwide is fuel storage capacity. When will the National Oil Reserves Agency Bill, which has also been talked about for some time, be brought before the House?

I, like many other Deputies, submitted a parliamentary question to the Tánaiste last week about expenditure in some areas of the Department of Health and Children. I received a reply to the effect that my question had been referred for reply to the Health Service Executive but I did not ask the question of the Health Service Executive. I asked the question of the Minister and her Department, for which she is responsible. When the Tánaiste was in Opposition, she reminded the Government of the day, on a daily basis, of the responsibility of Ministers for every cent of expenditure under their control.

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