Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Has the Government decided on the dates for the referenda on the renewed European treaty and on children's rights? Is it intended they both be held on the same date?

Can the Taoiseach instruct the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to meet with the Garda Representative Association and Garda management to discuss shift operations for gardaí? More officers should be on the streets at times when crime is more likely to be committed and that is an issue in the context of the criminal justice miscellaneous provisions Bill.

While the day-to-day running of the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, it is appropriate for Deputies, from all parties and none, to put questions to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on individual Garda stations or other such matters, and for answers to be given in this House on behalf of the Minister. Has the Ceann Comhairle yet sorted out the problems Deputies are having with the HSE? It is not just Deputies who are having problems — Ministers cannot make head nor tail of the HSE either and cannot get answers to their questions.

I am glad to see that Battling Siki on the Government side has apologised to the good lady from Limerick.

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