Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Fianna Fáil Party will not be denied any rights. At present, we have Leaders' Questions followed by Taoiseach's questions followed by the Order of Business. A number of people have suggested business would flow better if Leaders' Questions were followed by the Order of Business to allow matters of national interest to be raised. This would then be followed by Taoiseach's questions. As Deputy Martin will recall, on the first day I answered questions I indicated that we would perhaps change questions to the Taoiseach on one day to allow Deputies to raise topical issues and receive replies from Ministers. The proposal relates to Wednesdays only and Deputies would not be denied an opportunity to raise matters on the Order of Business. Although the time allocated to the Order of Business under the proposal is 30 minutes, this period would be extended if a vote or votes were called and Taoiseach's questions would be pushed out further. No one would be denied the right to raise an issue on the Order of Business. The proposal would provide for a better flow of political business in the Chamber and refers only to Wednesdays.

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