Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, who is also Chief Whip, came into the House last week to respond to a private notice question on the High Court findings of the day before regarding the by-election situation in Donegal South-West. On the three previous occasions that I attempted to progress a motion here to move the writ for Donegal South-West, the same Minister of State came into the House to respond on behalf of the Government.

I understand the role and responsibility for electoral matters rests with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, the leader of the Green Party. There was most certainly surprise and not a little frustration that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, did not present to take the private notice question last Thursday but could arrive quickly on its heels into the Chamber.

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