asked the Minister for the Environment the progress since 8th November, 1977, in regard to a final decision to carry out the Government's commitment on the Southern Cross road route through south county Dublin.

In my reply to Deputy Kelly on 8th November, I indicated that the Southern Cross Route proposals were related to the major road recommendations contained in the Dublin transportation study and that I was awaiting the outcome of a general review of these recommendations which the Dublin City and County Manager had been requested to undertake. I have not yet received the result of that review. I have since met a deputation from the Southern Cross Route Study Group to whom I have explained the position.

The first question I should like to ask is why is the Minister for Fisheries taking the questions of the Minister for the Environment whom we all saw here this morning at 10.30 a.m.?

That is not a relevant question.

I do not want to quarrel with you, Sir.

The Deputy is not a novice in this House.

It is central to our parliamentary democracy that Question Time should take place and that the person who should answer the questions, unless prevented by official business, which perhaps he is, must be over there to do so?

For the record the Minister is on official business with an annual meeting of the General Council of County Councils, the most representative body of local authorities.

Is reading from a script prepared by his officials more important than answering questions here? Could the Minister for Fisheries not have deputised for him?

Deputy Kelly is disorderly and I am surprised because he is not a novice in this House.

There is no point in my pursuing this Minister with supplementary questions he knows nothing about.

17.