On a point of order, why is one of my Deputies not allowed to make a point of order?
Order of Business (Resumed).
Because he sought to do so while I was addressing the House. It is not in order to interrupt the Chair when he is addressing the House.
May one of my Deputies now make a point of order?
He may.
I asked if I could make a point of order when the Chair was finished. I make that point out of courtesy to the Chair. Now that the Chair has finished, I would like to make a point of order.
I will hear a point of order.
Regarding the matter of hospital waiting lists which I raised on the Adjournment recently, the answer of the Minister for Health was that as soon as the validation process was completed the details I sought would be made available to me. The waiting lists in question relate to the end of the first quarter which was the end of March. Will the Taoiseach give an undertaking that the details I sought will be given immediately and will not be deferred any longer as has been attempted by the Minister? I received an assurance from the Minister of State, Deputy O'Shea, that he would look into this matter.
The Deputy has a strange idea of a point of order. He has put a question. Does the Taoiseach wish to intervene to reply?
I am allowed to raise this and ask the Taoiseach to ensure that the details in his Department regarding lengthening waiting lists are made available to the public and to me, as a Member of this House, before the election is over. I believe I am in order. This matter was raised on the Adjournment.
I have adjudicated on the matter. The Deputy seems to be in the mood to bait the Chair, but he has picked on the wrong man.
I do not wish to do that.
What the Deputy raised was not a point of order, it was a question, and if the Taoiseach wishes to intervene and reply, he may do so.
I will investigate the matter, but it is not a point of order.