A Cheann Comhairle, I do not wish to interrupt the House but I ask for your assistance. All the questions on Northern Ireland put down by Fianna Fáil Members today were transferred to the Tánaiste and the next Question Time to him will be on 23 February. These are fundamental questions with which the Taoiseach's predecessor dealt directly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers.
Why did the Deputy not do me the courtesy of letting me know he intended to raise this matter? It is most unusual, and probably unprecedented, that we have such an interruption when we are about to embark on Taoiseach's questions.
It is unprecedented that the Taoiseach refused to take any questions on Northern Ireland.
I would be grateful if the Deputy would make his point and allow the business of the House to proceed.
I will do that but, in our view, all the letters we received this morning, which refer to questions of fundamental importance on matters relating to Northern Ireland, have been passed by the Taoiseach to be answered during Question Time on 23 February.
The Deputy knows full well that the Chair has no control over such matters and I advise him to take it up in a more appropriate way.
These issues were dealt with directly by the Taoiseach's predecessor.
I am now proceeding to the business of the House and I will entertain no further interruptions.
Accountability.
Question No. 1 is in the name of Deputy Harney.
This question is fundamental. If this rule is brought in will we have questions on Northern Ireland only once a month?
Deputy Burke, this is most disorderly.
Being disorderly with you is the furthest thing from my mind. The question is a fundamental one; will we have Question Time in relation to Northern Ireland issues once a month if this policy is followed?
That matter cannot be decided now.
It is being dictated by the man who talked about reform of this Parliament.
That matter should be discussed, perhaps by the Whips, in due course. I call on the Taoiseach to deal with Question No. 1.
It is absolutely fundamental——
Deputy Burke, resume your seat, please?
The Deputy will have to get his questions in as early as Deputy Harney.
This is a question dealing with Northern Ireland.
The Taoiseach did not answer my three questions last week. He transferred them to the Tánaiste.
This is about the number of Progressive Democrat questions.
We have 30 minutes to deal with questions to the Taoiseach today.