Have the Government delegated responsibility for this and other matters which the Minister is entering into commitments for here in reply to parliamentary questions? We very seldom hear from the Minister for the Environment in regard to a whole range of subjects for which we, on this side of the House, understood he was responsible. I have asked about this matter previously, I questioned the Taoiseach about it and I was assured that there was a division of responsibility in the Department. From the tone of replies which the Minister of State has been giving it seems he has been charged with responsibility but I am not aware that the Government have so designated this responsibility to him.

The Minister is replying on behalf of the Minister for the Environment.

I want you, a Cheann Comhairle, to understand what I am getting at. There is a question of designation of responsibility, of powers, to a Minister of State and I would like to know exactly what powers have been designated to Deputy Quinn, Minister of State.

That seems to be another question.

Perhaps the Minister would enlighten the House as it would assist us in our questioning of him.

It seems to be an entirely separate question.

It is an entirely separate question, a Cheann Comhairle, and if the Deputy would like to put down a question I will give him a detailed reply.