Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Just in case the new regime across the floor expects to proceed with impunity, this is in order. These questions have been answered repeatedly over the last 12 months. I asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he had a view on the policy for a sensitive issue such as compliance with landfills, in view of his predecessor's statements on the matter. You replied in your letter that the Minister has no official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. This morning, the same Minister was on radio speaking of his concern over what was happening to landfills. Where is the Minister and why does he not answer those questions in this House?

The Minister for Transport has repeatedly refused to answer questions relating to health and safety, bus stops and safe places for people to wait and use public transport. He says he has no responsibility to the House. When people were tragically killed a few years ago, his predecessor had to come into this House and answer questions on that issue.

I have had enough of all this. If the Government wants to treat the Opposition with contempt, then so be it. There is a way to deal with it and the Government will know how to deal with it. I will deal with it repeatedly from now on, unless there is a change of heart.

See this speech in context