Has the Minister got any way by which these queries can be answered when the Dáil is not in session? I find that these parliamentary questions are the only way I can get results. If I write to the Department I do not get a reply for three or four months.

We have been through all this earlier. It is a pity the Deputy did not come in so that we could have had them all together. I will go over it again but it is just taking more time to do it.

But it is so important.

I appreciate that but if the Deputy has an interest in his questions it would be worth his while to come in and we could have a complete discussion.

I am here for all my questions.

If the Dáil is not sitting then there will not be parliamentary questions. When the parliamentary questions are not going into the Department there is an opportunity of getting the regular work back to normal.

How are we going to get results when the Dáil is not in session?

I have told the Deputy that one of the problems is the volume of routine parliamentary questions which are being put into the Department and take up the time of the staff who deal with ministerial questions and questions for Deputies. Once the parliamentary questions are not there they will be able to bring their other work up to date.

Is the Minister saying that we are disrupting the work of his Department by putting in questions?

I am not saying the Deputy is doing it intentionally. I am saying it is a fact of the system that when questions are put in they take from the time that is available.

What the Minister is saying is that, because 40 questions are put down to his Department, there is a delay.

31.