Could I seek clarification from you as to why Question No. 163 in my name, which was submitted to the Taoiseach, and which asked if he would express his Government's concern at the reported increase in the incidents of personation during the recent general election and if he would make a statement on the matter, has been transferred to the Minister for Justice? You will appreciate that the views of the Taoiseach on this subject are of particular interest to the House.

It is a matter for the Minister in question to decide who should take responsibility for answering the question. It is not a matter for the Chair.

Do I understand that the Taoiseach declined to answer it and fobbed it off on the Minister for Justice?

It is collective Cabinet responsibility.

Was it the Taoiseach's decision not to answer this question?

I am not responsible for that. It is not a matter for the Chair as to which Minister will reply to a parliamentary question.

The transfer was not questioned.

It is not a point of order.