Have any submission been made by the Department of the Public Service to the Commission on Industrial Relations established by the Minister for Labour?

I assume there have been consultations.

Surely the Minister should have that information?

If the Deputy puts down a question in that regard I will give him an answer. That is what questions are for.

What are Ministers for?

To answer the questions.

To know the answers.

I have given the Deputy the answer. The question asked the Minister for the Public Service the plans, if any, to improve industrial relations in the public service and I have given the reply.

The Minister of State is in charge of the Department and surely he knows the submission. Surely the submission was shown to the Minister before it went in?

If the Deputy will put down a question I will give him an answer.

This is absolute discourtesy to a Member of this House.

Question No. 30. We must pass on.

This is a disgrace. The Minister knows the answer and he will not give it.