Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise two issues, one of which relates to the Department of Health and Children. It concerns the Tánaiste's continued reluctance to answer questions of a financial nature on the record of the House and to refer them instead to the HSE. When is it likely that she will accept full responsibility for the running of her Department and answer parliamentary questions in the traditional fashion to safeguard both herself, her Department and the State?

The second issue concerns the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Tánaiste might be able to answer in this area. I refer to the unsatisfactory progress in providing broadband throughout the country, which has left some areas without a service or an indication of future service. As a matter of urgency, will the Minister call together all the service providers with a view to ensuring that a concerted effort is made, such as the dramatically successful one in Northern Ireland?

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