Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The time being provided for questions is completely inadequate. We had both the Minister and the CEO of the HSE before the Joint Committee on Health and Children last week, and yesterday we had representatives of the Irish Family Planning Association and the Irish Cancer Society along with representatives of the national cancer screening service. There are so many aspects to all of this that need to be addressed. Last week's opportunity was curtailed due to other demands on both the Minister and the CEO of the HSE. We need an opportunity to address in this Chamber the many serious questions of Deputies on all sides. I appeal to the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip to extend the time for questions to a realistic period. I do not believe an hour would be unreasonable. It would not be enough, but it would be a major improvement on what is now being provided for.

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