Under Standing Order 54, I can ask that a Minister, including the Taoiseach, be compelled to answer a question. My question is, should national capitals' parliaments have to be consulted on Mercosur or can they be bypassed?

The Deputy has asked his question.

I can also ask for a direction of the Chair under Standing Order 54.

The Deputy did not ask for a direction of the Chair.

I am asking for a direction of the Chair.

No, the Deputy did not. I will pass on now. The Deputy did not ask for a direction of the Chair.

The Taoiseach did not answer the question. I am asking the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for a direction.

I am moving on-----

I am asking the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for a direction.

I am moving on. The Deputy persisted in asking the question without getting the permission of the Chair. He might try it another time.

I am asking the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for a direction that the Taoiseach did not answer the question.

I will not give a direction at this point. It has been dealt with. It has been dealt with in the sense that the Deputy asked the question and then proceeded to quote Standing Orders without waiting.