On a point of order, in view of the fact that it is the first occasion on which Question to the Minister for Finance have been taken, could the Taoiseach tell us why the Minister cannot be here today and on what official business he is detained?

If the Deputy had any generosity he would not ask that question.

I have been here all morning.

Deputy FitzGerald knows better than anyone that the attendance of Ministers at Question Time is a matter for themselves to decide in accordance with their public arrangements and the discharge of public business. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance is in a position to deal with Questions today.

What public business detains the Minister?