Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

That was an appalling answer. I know the Minister of State did not write it but if I was her, I would have been embarrassed giving me that answer, and I do not say that lightly. If she was in the position I am in, she would not accept that answer. The bulk of the page and a half of the reply is about something else. There is one small fact contained in it, indicating an increase of 21% over the past five years. It is not acceptable to come to the House with an answer like this. That is what the other guys did and that is why they were put out of office. Is this how matters on the Adjournment Debate are to be answered by the Department? I am not blaming the Minister of State as she is delivering the message and I am not going to shoot the messenger on this occasion, but I ask her to go back to whoever gave her that reply and tell that person that it is not acceptable to me.

It is a disgrace to throw that reply up in front of somebody at this stage of a debate. The reason the other guys were put out of office was because they treated this Chamber with disdain by giving replies such as the one I got. It is not acceptable. I ask that this Adjournment matter be taken next week again and that I get a proper answer to it.