I propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 718 together.
The preparation of replies for Parliamentary Questions is a high-priority task in my Department. In providing replies, officials seek to ensure that responses are timely and comprehensive and, in general, I am satisfied that adequate responses are provided to Deputies. In order to ensure comprehensive replies it is of course important that there is clarity on the information being sought by the Deputy.
There are standard protocols in place in dealing with Parliamentary Questions which include ensuring that they are cleared at senior management level. In late 2014 an office notice on processing parliamentary questions issued to officials. The office notice outlines the timescales and procedures for processing written and oral Parliamentary Questions.For the Deputy's information 3786 Parliamentary Questions were answered in 2014. This figure includes 286 Parliamentary Questions that were transferred into the Department from other Departments, but does not include 132 Parliamentary Questions that were transferred from the Department to other Departments.