Rather unusually, I want to ask a procedural question of the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Government. Every week, we have debates in this House and we pass resolutions. Previously, resolutions of this Parliament were meaningful and effective. Increasingly, we pass resolutions and Bills on Second Stage that have no meaning or effect which, if it continues, will undermine people's trust in this Parliament. What procedure is in place to deal with resolutions or motions passed in this House? Are they ignored, as if they were resolutions or motions passed by a college debating society?

Deputy Howlin has raised an important question-----

As were my questions this morning but I got no answers.

----that in the context of the minority Government is one frequently faced by Departments in respect of the constitutional position of Parliament vis-à-vis Government. I assure Deputy Howlin that every resolution and motion passed, and every Bill introduced in this House is taken seriously. However, this presents Government with challenges in terms of following through in a way that is constitutionally compliant and legally robust. Speaking on behalf of my Department, it faces particular challenges in the context of motions being agreed by the Dáil and-or the Seanad on a regular basis, many of which require consultation with the Attorney General and referral for further consideration to an all-party committee. The overriding principle on the part of Government is to ensure that legislative measures leave this House constitutionally compliant and legally operable.

I acknowledge it is an important issue on which I am happy to engage with Deputy Howlin or any other Deputy. Ultimately, Government is responsible for the actions of Parliament and must respond.