Some of these questions have not been dealt with yet——

The Deputy is trying to control this Chair and I am going to control it while I am in the Chair. I am applying the same rules that I applied when the Deputy was on the opposite side of the House.

On a point of order, in view of the totally unsatisfactory replies from the Taoiseach I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

On a point of order, would you indicate for my benefit why I was not called on to ask any supplementary question even though I offered before each speaker did?

In the limited time available I endeavoured to give preference to those who had tabled questions. I am sorry if I overlooked the Deputy's offers, but there is no question from him now.

May I now ask a supplementary question?

We are going on to Question No. 15.

On a point of order, may I ask for an assurance that in respect of specific questions which have not been dealt with by way of supplementary question or by way of reply by the Taoiseach they will be allowed to be put down again?

I cannot anticipate that, but the Deputy can be assured that every consideration will be given to that.

I would hope, a Cheann Comhairle, that you would do so because you have refused to call on me, for example, to ask supplementary questions to Question No. 6 in respect of which no supplementary has been asked. This is a very unsatisfactory situation where a question is put down and no supplementary question can be asked by the Leader of the Opposition.

Deputy FitzGerald, I indicated I wished you to ask a supplementary question and you decided that someone else should ask it. I called you, Deputy FitzGerald, and not one of your backbenchers, but you said no. I asked the Deputy on a few occasions. I gave preference to him as Leader of the Opposition because I felt it was my duty to do that.

I cannot regard that as responsible on the part of the Chair.

I promise that I will examine all the questions that you submit and I will certainly give them every consideration, but I could not anticipate that at present.

As a relatively new Member it is my memory from the last session that quite often we spent half-an-hour on one question. Is there a standard procedure? Would three to five supplementaries be normal? Given that we are dealing with 14 questions and considering the seriousness of the matter, should we not at least anticipate more than the normal leeway to discuss these matters? I think we should be talking about 50 to 60 supplementaries. Could you give me an indication of what standard you are setting? It is a different standard from the one that I remember operating a short time ago.

I think the Deputy will agree that I came under a barrage of criticism for devoting too much time to individual questions. Indeed, it was generally agreed. I have now decided that we will have a little more order in the business. I want to assure everyone here that I will act impartially and not in favour of anyone. No Member here will be muzzled as far as I am concerned but will be given ample opportunity for expression and for asking questions consistent with order and the business of this House.

Could I have an indication of the specific numbers? Have we reached anything like the 50 to 60 supplementaries that would at least be the average allowing for three to five supplementary questions per question? I would ask that the reform procedures might be delayed a little bit.

If the Deputy were listening attentively she would have heard the same question repeated over and over again. On no fewer than five occasions the same supplementary questions were asked. I am not responsible for the replies of Ministers and the Deputy and everyone else in the House knows that. I am going on to Question No. 15. I am calling on Deputy Alan Shatter.

On a point of order, before that matter was dealt with I was trying to get in with further supplementaries. I had the first question on today's Order Paper. Possibly I cannot shout as loudly or jump up as rapidly as some of my colleagues. I take the view that I have not received an opportunity to pursue the supplementary questions I should have been permitted to pursue with the Taoiseach in the light of the reply given to my question.

The Deputy is not allowed an unlimited time nor is he allowed unlimited supplementaries. The decision rests with the Chair. I try to be fair in giving both Opposition parties opportunities for supplementary questions, having regard to those who put questions down on the Order Paper.