Seán Fleming
Question:682. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the protocols in place since March 2011 to set standards in parliamentary replies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/15]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2015
Questions (682, 683)
Seán Fleming
Question:683. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that parliamentary questions are adequately replied to within his Department; the steps he has taken since March 2011 to ensure parliamentary questions are fully responded to within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23517/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 683 together.
In my Department, answering parliamentary questions is a high priority. In 2014, my Department answered 1304 such questions. In that year, a Departmental notice issued to all staff on the procedures to be followed in dealing with parliamentary questions. The notice served also to re-emphasise to all officers the right of the Dáil to seek information on any matter within my competence as Minister and, insofar as it is possible and practicable to do so, my duty to respond. Officers of my Department continue to assist and facilitate me as Minister in the discharge of my obligations to the Dáil including answering parliamentary questions.
Question No. 684 answered with Question No. 681