Before Question Time begins, a Cheann Comhairle, may I have your guidance, please? I submitted a question to the Taoiseach for answer today. I note from the Order Paper that that question has been changed from the Taoiseach and appears as Question No. 287 to the Minister for Justice. In addition, the wording of the question has been changed. I want to draw your attention to the Official Report of 21 April when the Taoiseach specifically replied to me on questions arising from the leaking of confidential Government documents and made certain commitments to this House about investigations being carried out. Can you explain to me, Sir, please, when I want to pursue that matter further with the Taoiseach and put down a question, why it is that the Taoiseach does not answer the question but transfers it to the Minister for Justice? I suggest, Sir, that this is not in accordance with the normal transfer of questions. I think it is because it relates to the referendum on the amendment to the Constitution that the Taoiseach is now distancing himself from the problems he created at that time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers.
The Deputy cannot make a speech on this. The Deputy is now going a little too far. He is making a speech. I do not know whether the Deputy was here in the House yesterday when this same matter was raised. The Chair made it perfectly clear then that in accordance with precedent going back, as far as the Chair knows, to the foundation of the State, the Chair has no control over the transfer of questions. The Deputy did raise another matter — that his question had been altered. I do know that, for the convenience of Deputies and indeed in the interests of Deputies, sometimes questions are slightly altered in the office. If the Deputy likes I will have inquiries made into that but I cannot help him in regard to the other matter.
The alteration refers to the fact that it makes the question suitable for the Minister for Justice.
We cannot have a discussion on it here but I will inquire into it.
Because of the unsatisfactory situation that now arises may I ask you, please, for a written reply to Question No. 287 today and ——
Certainly.
——depending on what the reply contains I crave your indulgence in asking permission to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Deputy may have a written reply and the Deputy may communicate with the Chair.