Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I am concerned to hear Deputy Barry would like to have a vote on my movements and where I can or cannot go. That certainly does not work.

Second, I could have easily done what many taoisigh do regularly when attending official business and sent someone in here to deputise on my behalf. What I did was to ask the House to agree to take Leaders' Questions early because I need to leave the House. If the House does not wish me to take Leaders' Questions, I can leave the House and someone will deputise on my behalf, but I take my duties in this House seriously and, therefore, I asked the House to reconvene an hour earlier for Leaders' Questions, which I would now dearly love to take.

See this speech in context