Minister attendance at questions
Deputy Howlin complained that too few Ministers were present and that questions would be better answered by the responsible Cabinet members. The Chair agreed the point was well made and urged Members to keep to time, while Deputy Kenny complained about the delay in getting called.
It is the same point of order as I raised last week. Before the Minister for Education and Skills leaves, we constructed the Order of Business to allow all Cabinet members respond to questions. Many of the questions the Taoiseach responded to would be much better responded to Members if all members of Cabinet were here.
Last week, when I raised it, there was one additional member of Cabinet to the Taoiseach. There is still one additional Cabinet member. I will keep raising this until at least as many attend as are available.
Comment on this
Deputy Howlin's point is well made. I would appeal that it would be helpful if we could have more Ministers but it would also be helpful if Members could stick to the one minute that is provided because there are seven Members today who should have been able to get in and who did not.
Comment on this
On a point of order, between the first question and answering the first question, it took seven minutes.
Comment on this
We all are waiting to get in. It is unfair to Deputies who are waiting.