A Cheann Comhairle, on a point of order, will you give a ruling on whether it is in order for a Minister to refuse to answer questions which have not been asked before and which, in the normal course of events, would be in order?

If the Deputy wished me to seriously consider a matter of this kind, he should have given me notice.

I am not questioning your ruling——

It does not arise now.

Is it in order for any Minister to decide not to answer a Deputy's questions just because they are embarrassing for him? Is that in order?

It is not for me to say.

It is not in order then.

Question No. 1.

On a point of order, I am looking for your advice.

Would the Deputies not wait until the Order of Business?

The point I want to make relates directly to the Minister who will be answering questions for the next 75 minutes. I refer to four questions dealing with various hospitals — Crumlin Hospital, Blanchardstown Hospital and Dr. Steevens' Hospital — which other Workers' Party Deputies and I submitted to the Minister for Health and which have been ruled out of order.

I am sorry Deputy, but you may not raise that matter now.

I am asking if it is in order for questions to be refused on the basis of a statement made by the Minister a week ago that he did not intend to answer this type of question.

If you wish to have my considered opinion on the matter, my office is available——

Is it in order——

I cannot allow Question Time to be abused in this manner.

The Minister is attempting to gag the House.

We will proceed with questions. Question No. 1.