The number of promotions to the ranks of sergeant and inspector of members who had not passed——

The Minister of State has been asked a question about his own actions. He is not entitled to say that the Minister for Justice should be asked. Was he or was he not himself in contact with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána on this matter? That is the question.

The numbers of promotions to the ranks of sergeant and inspector——

This is a sham.

——of members who had not passed the professional promotion examinations in each of the six-month periods mentioned, commencing on 1 January 1977 were as follows: To the rank of sergeant: 4, 1, 1, 29, 9, 14, 8.

On a point of order, when a Minister is answering in this House, a Minister of State——

When a Minister is answering other Deputies should remain in their seats.

Is he answering for the Minister in question? Is that not the position?

That is not a matter for the Chair. I would point out that I have given almost ten minutes to one question. This is way above the average. I am not allowing any more.

But we have had no answer.

Is it in order for a Minister of State to repudiate responsibility and say that his Minister should be asked? Is there any precedent for that?

The Chair is trying to conduct the proceedings of the House in an orderly manner and is not responsible for Ministers' answers. Question No. 21.

I was hoping to assist by clarifying, on a point of order, as to whether a Minister of State is entitled to say that the matter should be referred to the Minister. Is he not standing in for the Minister and required to answer the question?

He was only trying to be helpful.

The Chair has no control over ministerial replies.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister is walking on a thin rope and and if he moves one way or the other he will fall.

Question No. 21.

The Minister is acknowledging that there were officers who threatened to resign.

No, he did not.

I am acknowledging nothing. I have replied to the question as asked in relation to my duties.

Would the Minister please answer Question No. 21?