Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Martin asked two questions. The first time I took Questions to the Taoiseach, I told Deputy Martin that we should consider ordinary Taoiseach's questions to see how we might get a better system going. I have not changed the rules or regulations on the manner in which questions arrive in my Department. They go through the Ceann Comhairle's office to see if they are in accordance with Standing Orders, then they come to my Department. If the main responsibility rests with another Minister, the question is transferred to there. I recall asking questions of previous taoisigh on many occasions, but there was an endless list of transfers. I have not actually changed that.

Deputy Adams asked two particular questions. First of all, he is aware that the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach over the years has always dealt with issues like the CSO, a number of other administrative areas and so on. That has been the case for many years. Questions put down for oral answer may not seek information that has been provided orally within the Dáil in the previous four months. He could change the wording of a question and table it as a different question on the same subject. Obviously, if an oral question is not reached, it goes down as a written answer.

Deputy Adams has submitted two questions, one of which is on my plans to make my "Department accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas". I answer questions here where they are my responsibility. For instance, Deputy Adams as an elected Member was perfectly entitled to go to and ask any question at the meeting of the Select Sub-Committee on the Department of the Taoiseach at which we had a discussion for more than an hour on the Revised Estimates. I cannot recall whether any member of his party was present, but he is entitled to go to any committee he wishes. As I said in my reply, we had a detailed discussion at the sub-committee on my Department's Revised Estimates, just as any other Minister who goes before such a committee would.

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