John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Ó Caoláin has raised a number of issues. The Deputy specifically asked if I would raise with the Taoiseach the issue of the introduction of legislation in regard to the filling of a vacancy in a by-election. While I can do that the Deputy has previously raised the question with the Taoiseach on the floor of the House and he has clearly indicated that legislation will not be dealt with until after the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing, which decision is imminent given the court's indication that a quick review would take place. This does not necessarily indicate there will be any undue delay. The Supreme Court has indicated it will deal with this matter fairly quickly and as such it should not cause a problem. However, I will undertake to raise with the Taoiseach the specific matter raised by Deputy Ó Caoláin.

On the issue of the HSE, as Chief Whip I am regularly in the House for the Order of Business and have heard Members of the Opposition and some of my colleagues express their frustration in regard to obtaining accurate and timely information from that agency. Deputy Ó Caoláin specifically asked about reference numbers on parliamentary questions and so on and I will raise that matter with the HSE at my next meeting. It is my intention to meet on an ongoing basis with the HSE until such time as we reach a stage where the standard of reply and information coming from it is acceptable to all Members.

Deputy Ó Caoláin stated he had not received a response to a parliamentary question he submitted in June.

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