Scope of the strike revenue-loss estimate
Members challenge whether the £11 million figure answers a question about total Government revenue losses, since it covers only postal and telecommunications revenue. The Ceann Comhairle says the question was transferred between Ministers and rules further argument out of order; no total estimate is given.
Is it in order to inquire whether the figure quoted is in reply to the question as it is phrased, which is, the estimated loss in revenue caused by the postal strike, which does not only relate to the Minister's Department? In other words the question clearly sought an estimate of the total loss of revenue.
Comment on this
The question put down to the Taoiseach clearly relates to Government revenue as a whole. Is it in order for the Taoiseach to pass it to the Minister and for the Minister to say——
Comment on this
The Deputy should consult with his colleague as to whether this question was put down to the Taoiseach.
Comment on this
When a question about Government revenue as a whole is transferred to a particular Minister and he then replies giving figures for his Department only, does that not undo the whole purpose of Question Time?