Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank the Deputy for making those points and I will have the matter investigated.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The two questions of mine that were transferred out related to the Taoiseach's letter to the President of the European Commission. If the Taoiseach writes to the President of the European Commission, the subject matter of that letter should be allowed as a question, but they were transferred out.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Authority to transfer questions is not vested in my office, but we will have the matter investigated. There is goodwill on all sides and we will try to resolve the matter. What would indicate that the process is working is the fact that we are here today talking about the Brexit debate rather than St. Patrick's Day visits, which is what has happened heretofore.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Was the question transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach? How did the transfer out occur?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It was transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will have that looked at.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It concerns the Taoiseach's letter to the President of the European Commission.