asked the Taoiseach if he or his Minister of State gave instructions to their officials to refer all representations and inquiries from Deputies to them before any reply or information is furnished, and, if so, why.

Neither I nor my Minister of State has given any such instructions. Representations made to the secretary or other officers of my Department by a public representative are replied to by the secretary.

Is the Taoiseach not aware that some of his Ministers have given such directions recently? Would he not agree that in the event of such directions being given it is a blatant abuse of ministerial privilege and office?

Deputy Brady is asking a question.

The Taoiseach must be aware that an instruction was given by the Minister for Education.

The Minister is continuing the practice established by Deputy Wilson.

Will the Taoiseach give an assurance that such instruction will be withdrawn to enable Deputies to make representations on behalf of their constituents as efficiently as possible?

The Deputy is anticipating questions. I can only answer on my own behalf in that respect. I have maintained continuity of practice in my Department, and it may be that some Ministers have maintained continuity of practice in theirs. That will emerge in their replies to later questions.

Will the Taoiseach give the House an assurance that such directions will be cancelled forthwith?

The Taoiseach has already answered that.

We will wait until we hear the answers to the questions before we go into that.