I wonder if the Chair could help me? I have just been handed a note from the office of the Ceann Comhairle. I am not challenging the judgement of the Chair. The note states:

I regret I had to disallow the questions addressed by you to the Minister for Communications asking if he will verify as correct the report that B & I are about to take over ICL and its plans for the continuation of the southern corridor sea service in the event of a pull-out, in view of the fact that the British and Irish Steam Packet Company Limited (Acquisition) (Amendment) Bill is currently before the Dáil.

I am accepting the ruling of the Chair but I wish to know if there is any mechanism whereby the Chair could let the Minister know the situation, in view of the fact that we will be discussing that Bill in the House tomorrow and I may be able to get a reply from the Minister to the questions when he is winding up Second Stage.

I think the Deputy has just done what he is asking me to do.

I know it would be disorderly if I were to answer that question.

Then, the Deputy should not do so. I am calling Question No. 17.