Vincent Brady
Ceist:70 Mr. V. Brady asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of the number of Parliamentary Questions tabled to him for the year 1991 and the total cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Parliamentary Questions.
There were 1,119 questions, including those of a statistical nature answered in the normal instance by the Minister of State, tabled for answer by the Taoiseach during 1991, including those which were answered, transferred to another Minister or disallowed by the Ceann Comhairle.
The cost of preparing replies is considered periodically by the Department of Finance. Their estimate at the moment is an average cost of £64 each. The research and review of the variety of issues addressed to me and the staff level at which replies are prepared would suggest a higher cost in my Department.
I am conscious of the costs arising from these questions. I must rely on the discretion of Deputies to ensure that this very necessary channel of information is not abused.