Topical Issue Debate

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Questions (161)

Micheál Martin

Question:

161. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Dáil topical issue debates submitted to his Department following selection by the Ceann Comhairle since March 2011; the number of topical issues taken directly by him; the number of topical issues taken by a junior Minister in his Department; the number of issues taken by a Minister not from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30342/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The information sought by the Deputy is available through the website of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Oireachtas.ie). The Deputy will know that, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have extensive travel commitments, particularly during our Presidency of the EU and our Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE in 2012. Since March 2011, 27 topical issue debates have been submitted to my Department and taken in the Dáil. Of these, I was available to take five; eleven were taken on my behalf by Ministers of State Joe Costello and Lucinda Creighton; eleven were taken on my behalf by Ministers or Ministers of State of other Departments.