Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach will probably do so. It was not his intention but the assertion is hanging and it should be withdrawn.

With regard to the Order of Business proper, the Taoiseach has told the House that legislation to establish the department of public spending and reform will be published shortly and will be enacted at some point in the next two months.

The Taoiseach will be aware that more than six weeks have passed since the Minister, Deputy Howlin, indicated that he would be happy to answer in this House questions in regard to his brief. The Minister has probably set a record in terms of the length of time he has gone without answering parliamentary questions. The last time this happened was when Members of the House were on the run or in jail during the first and second Dáil.

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