Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Were the agreements reached between the Independent Deputies and the Government negotiated directly with the Taoiseach's predecessor? If so, was the Taoiseach privy to the detail of what was agreed to secure the support of Deputies Healy-Rae, Finian McGrath and Lowry? If he did not have prior sight of the agreements, has he been given copies? Will the Taoiseach clarify whether my assumption that there were written agreements is correct? Upon ascending to his current position, was he made aware of the detail of the agreements?

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, the leader of the Green Party, is sitting beside the Taoiseach for Question Time. Were the agreements with the then Taoiseach, the Fianna Fáil Party or the Government? The Deputies gave their support to the Government and have voted with it continuously since last year's general election, irrespective of the issues. If the agreements were with the Government, was the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, who was then leader of the Green Party, is an integral part of the Government and a co-signatory to the programme for Government, made aware of their details?

Given Deputy Finian McGrath's decision to withdraw his support, what were the negative consequences for the issues addressed in his agreement with the Government? Did his withdrawal have a down side for specific projects and commitments entered into? What is the quid pro quo regarding the debit side of the balance sheet as opposed to that relating to the support the Government clearly committed to provide when the agreement entered into with Deputy Finian McGrath was finalised in the aftermath of the general election in 2007?

In view of the fact that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, no longer belongs to a political party and will be an independent member of the Government, will the Taoiseach be entering into negotiations with her in respect of her continued support? Is the Taoiseach happy to allow the Minister to continue to run riot in respect of the health service?

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