Ceist a l.

A Ceann Comhairle, I should like to bring to your attention the fact that the Minister is not here.

That is disorderly.

When I put down some very important questions you said they were not urgent, and that the Minister would deal with them——

I am telling the Deputy that he is not in order.

I want to bring to your attention the high-handed attitude of the Minister in relation to these very important questions.

The Minister did the Deputy the courtesy of saying that he would not be here today.

He is on official business, as the Deputy knows.

Ceist a 1.

The Minister said——

I will not have a discussion on this.

Saturday is St. Patrick's Day. Surely the Minister should be here in the House.

I am surprised at the behaviour of Deputy Woods.

It is important that the Minister should be here to answer these questions.

Ceist a 1.