Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

With all due respect, it is a long time since the Taoiseach was a backbencher. The most frustrating thing for a backbencher in this House is the daily reading of requests to move the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32. When Deputies raise in a genuine fashion important matters relevant to their constituencies, they are ruled out of order. Time should be allocated every day during which Ministers can answer relevant, simple and basic questions. I urge the Taoiseach to consider this proposal. Many backbenchers do not have the facilities of ministerial office or indeed the kind of support available to Frontbench Members of various parties. I hope the Taoiseach will take some positive action in this regard.

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