Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

A point made last week, and one which I have made since I became a Member of this House, is that an eight minute contribution on statements is not enough time to ask the relevant questions no matter how good one is. It would be good from the Minister's point of view as well in that he or she would know the questions which would be asked. The Minister for Health and Children was exceptional in her ability to deal with every issue. If we had a regular opportunity to ask questions, which had been submitted to Ministers, it would enable us to keep up-to-date with issues.

I would like some guidance on whether we need to invite the Minister for Education and Science or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to discuss a recent report which suggests there is serious gender inequality in terms of female entrepreneurs. I do not believe the females of Ireland are any less entrepreneurial than their male counterparts but a recent report would lead me to call for a debate. I do not know whether entrepreneurship begins in school with the choices people are offered or whether it is an equality issue. I will leave it to the Leader's discretion to decide which is the more appropriate Minister.