asked the Taoiseach the population residing on each off-shore island.

Dún Laoghaire): The information available is from the 1981 Census of Population and is published in Table 19 (pages 158-159) of Volume I of the Census Report. I will forward a copy of the table to the Deputy.

What is the total figure?

(Dún Laoghaire): There is not a total figure. It is broken down county by county and each island is listed under that heading.

What is the population of each island?

When a question is being answered by way of a tabular statement, it should be left at that.

Why was the other question, which was in tandem with this question, referred to another Minister? Does this mean that matters in regard to islanders are the remit of the Minister for Finance?

That question has been transferred to the Minister for Finance.

I would like the guidance of the Chair in seeking to establish which member of the Government is responsible for policy in relation to developments on our islands. Is the Taoiseach not the one who should inform the House what Government policy is? Why should the question be transferred from the Taoiseach to the Minister for Finance?

The Chair has no control over the transfer of questions. If one Minister does not accept it, the question then goes to another Minister.

Is the Chair aware that there is nothing new for islanders in being transferred from one Department to another, while getting nothing from anybody?

I do not think that arises.

Will the Taoiseach indicate whether he should not properly be the one to expound on Government policy regarding the needs of off-shore islanders?

It is not in order to raise that matter in this way. Question No. 2.

Is the Taoiseach now telling the House that this is a matter solely for the Minister for Finance? Why is the Taoiseach silent? Is it because of his terrible record?

The Taoiseach probably does not know anything about the islanders.

I am calling Question No. 2.

Would the Taoiseach clarify the matter? Why is he staying so quiet? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to my question to the Taoiseach I give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment in order to seek——

The Deputy does not have to make a statement. He should tell me what he wants to raise on the Adjournment. Is it Question No. 1?

Question No. 1 as well as Questions Nos. 2 and 5 which were referred to another Minister.

I will communicate with the Deputy.