John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)

For the fourth time, it is not open to the Taoiseach to answer the questions posed by the Deputy. Under the principle of collective responsibility, health policy is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children. These are statistical questions. Questions relating to discussions that have been, are being or are due to be held may not be asked during Taoiseach's Question Time. That is a long-standing precedent of the House and I must enforce it. The only question the Taoiseach may answer is that relating to his own attendance.

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