I want to ask the Minister in view of the fact that I believe I saw the Minister, Deputy O'Malley, in the House a couple of hours ago, if he will explain to the House why he is taking the Minister's questions in his absence?

That is not a relevant question.

That is not my business.

It is, because the Minister is missing more often than he is present for Question Time. If he is at a function, he has two Ministers of State to attend functions for him and he should be here answering questions.

They are doing a great job.

Could we be given an explaination as to why the Minister is not here?

Question Time is over.

I am not aware of the individual movements of my Minister. At one stage Deputy Kelly indicated that Ministers of State in the Department were not doing enough work. I am delighted to be doing the work.

Ministers of State are there to attend functions and take that load off the Minister. He should be here to take questions in the House.

He is doing Government work.

Does the Minister of State accept that the Minister is not abroad?

I accept that he is in the Country.

Near at hand?

It is not usual nor indeed in order, as Deputy Kelly well knows, to question the absence of Ministers at Question Time.

The Minister has been absent more often than he has been present when his questions have been asked.

The questions and supplementaries have been answered.

The Minister of State is not responsible for the Department.

I am doing a great job in it.

The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.