Thirty years ago, a politician or a Minister in a Russian Government might have behaved like the Minister for Justice and Equality last week.

Does the Deputy have a question on legislation?

I am coming to it. How much longer will the Taoiseach continue to defend the indefensible in defending the Minister the way he has over the past few days? I refer to the commitments he gave in the programme for Government regarding confidentiality between people dealing with politicians.

We will debate that later.

Will the Taoiseach answer?

No legislation is promised on that. The Deputy is perfectly entitled to sit in his seat later and ask the Minister questions and he will answer them for him.

We only have 20 minutes for questions and answers. If that is divided between-----

The motion was passed half an hour ago.

Keep the questions short and accurate

That is a short time to divide.

The Deputy should have been present to oppose the motion.