Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On a point of order - I know that there are new Standing Orders - some questions were sent for written answer and therefore transferred out. Under new Standing Orders, each leader is entitled to three oral questions, and it was understood that no Member may put down more than three questions to the Taoiseach for oral answer on any one day. I submitted at least three questions. Two were transferred out for reasons unknown to me and my office was only informed yesterday when it was too late to submit more questions. I understand that there is a transition period, but it is extremely important, in respect of the reforms we introduced, that there are at least three questions tabled by the Leader of the Opposition and that this is facilitated as far as is practicable. Even when questions are transferred out, it is essential that facilities are made available to the person to submit more questions within the required time. Otherwise, we are stifling debate, which is not what the reform was about. It aimed to facilitate more debate and allow more discussion, not less.

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