I listened to the Minister for Health announce on RTE Radio the restoration of some medical cards. It would have been far better if he had come into the Chamber to make the announcement and for it to be scrutinised, but that is not the way the Government works. I asked two weeks ago for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the appointment by him of the chairman of the west and north-west hospitals group. I asked the Taoiseach the same question last week. I am still waiting for an explanation. In the meantime, the individual has resigned. Incidentally, the Minister's first response to a question from Teachta Ó Caoláin was to defend the appointment but to date no explanation either for the resignation or the original appointment has been given to the Dáil or the public.

Last week, I also asked the Taoiseach what has happened to the original files on which decisions were made about people's entitlement to a discretionary medical card, which the Ombudsman said are lost.

We can only deal with one topic on Leaders' Questions.

I am talking about the Department of Health, a Cheann Comhairle.

We are not going through the entire Department of Health on Leaders' Questions.

That is okay, but you should just let me say my piece, please, a Cheann Comhairle.

Once Deputy Adams sticks within the rules, I do not mind.

Thank you. Please try to avoid interrupting me if you do not mind.

I will interrupt you, Deputy, if you are out of order.

Okay. Go raibh maith agat.

I hope you understand the rules like everybody else.

I think it is very interesting that when I ask the Taoiseach a question, you interrupt me.

No. Excuse me, are you trying to imply that I am defending somebody?

Did you not hear what I said, a Cheann Comhairle?

I am listening very carefully.

I will repeat it again.

I ask you to resume your seat while I am on my feet.

Okay.

Rules apply in this House. You know that on Leaders' Questions one is entitled to one topic. I am only applying the rules as they stand. Would you please adhere to them? Thank you.