Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is over three weeks since the changes in ministerial responsibilities were announced yet Members of this House are being denied the right to ask questions of two members of the Government. All questions to Deputy Brendan Howlin are being answered by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. All questions to Deputy Frances Fitzgerald are being answered by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy James Reilly. According to the Order Paper, Deputy Fitzgerald will come before us as the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Deputy Howlin has responsibility for public service employees and is allegedly responsible for billions of euro yet he cannot be asked questions in the House. Can the Taoiseach state when the situation will be dealt with and when Ministers will come before the House to answer questions on the areas assigned by the Taoiseach? Who will take responsibility for the announcement of the May budget?

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