Regarding Question No. 17 can the Minister indicate how his Department and the Government differentiate between a degree of urgency for local authority housing on the one hand and the fact that there has not been a falling off in general demand? In other words, how do Fianna Fáil differentiate between the urgent demand and the general demand for housing?

This is purely an argumentative question which is bound to generate disorder.

My reply indicated on what the Government assessment was based.

I am simply asking the Minister, on the basis of what is printed in the White Paper, what is the difference in their terms between the urgency of demand for local authority houses and general demand. Have we reached some new category in this regard, and, if so, would the Minister enlighten the House on what the differentiation means?

I indicated in my reply what the White Paper was based on.

That is not an answer to the question. Is it the position that the Minister for Economic Planning and Development is dominating the Department of the Environment and is this Minister merely a pawn?

The White Paper was a Government document.

I have not received an answer to my question.

Can the Minister say——

I am calling the next question.

My question is non-contentious.

The Chair is not concerned as to whether a question is contentious or otherwise so long as it is in order.