David Maxwell

We are taking time off the next Members coming along. We are now to two or three minutes over. If someone asks a question, let us get the answer without shouting people down. I call Deputy Gould.

Sorry, Deputy----

Deputy McGrath is substituting for Deputy Devlin.

Deputy Ó Broin has a supplementary question.

I call Deputy Gould. Do not make a speech; just ask a question.

That was not part of the question that was asked.

Thank you, Deputy. Deputy Burke has a supplementary question.

There will be no supplementary questions. I want to try to get Deputy Healy in. He has been here since 8.50 a.m.

No, I am sorry Deputy.

We are over time.

We now move to the Sinn Féin slot, which is five minutes. Deputies Carthy and Pa Daly are sharing time.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Names and dates of birth should not be given out in the House.

I just have to point it out.

I thank the Minister and all Deputies who contributed to the debate.

I ask the Minister to lead.

I will check with the clerk to see if it is going around. It should be circulated. We can take a second.

I am sorry, Deputy Connolly. It is just not here yet. Will we go ahead?

Yes, I am told we are getting it. It is just not here.

I am told it is coming but it is just not here at this precise moment.

I understand Deputy McDonald is not happy to go ahead without a copy of the Minister's statement.

I am informed by the clerk that there is no provision to stop the debate. We do not know how long it will be before the copies of the statement get here. The debate must conclude at 12 noon. I am in the Deputies' hands.

I am told that copies of the speech are on the way. I have no problem waiting but it could take 15 or 20 minutes. I am told by the clerk that we do not know how long the wait will be.

I propose that we go ahead and allow the Minister to speak-----

-----noting the absence of the script, copies of which will be circulated as soon as they get here. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.