John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)

I can inform Deputy Broughan that I have had meetings with the Whips in order to facilitate a change whereby I hope it might be possible for questions such as those to which the Deputy referred to be answered. However, in the final analysis that is a matter for a reform of Standing Orders and, in some cases, statute law. I indicated to the Whips that I would facilitate making change if that were possible. That remains the position. I also told the Whips I would send them a positional paper to facilitate them in that respect.

However, I remind Deputy Broughan that at no point did I say I would not throw out the questions or anything to that effect. I could not possibly have said that. All I said at all times was that I would try to facilitate those questions being answered and I have sought to do precisely that.

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