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Party in particular understood the difference between democratic opposition and destructive opposition. Last week, a Sinn Féin spokesman said on Virgin Media that Leaders' Questions was set up at the foundation of the State to hold the Government to account. Leaders' Question were, of course, introduced … recently as 2001. The Labour Party opposed the introduction of Leaders' Questions because it felt that the alternative of a free-for-all on the Order of Business was better for the Opposition. The party also questioned the then Ceann Comhairle's rulings. It strongly opposed the changes

areas they want to discuss. Regarding what was said by Deputy O'Callaghan, I think, regarding speaking rights, we have just had Leaders' Questions. Leaders' Questions were allocated by party and grouping. The Other Members' Questions will be allocated by party and grouping. We are following the Standing

dealt comprehensively with that issue earlier. The Deputy chose not to raise it during Leaders' Questions, which is fair enough. The housing activation office has been established. It is in the programme for Government. I made the point yesterday that no decision has been made

require for hip dysplasia. Thanks to Deputy Cullinane, this issue has been raised with the Minister. Deputy Doherty also brought it up on Leaders' Questions. I refer to a family in north Louth who just want put on record what could have happened to their daughter

suddenly discharged when she was six. Just a few months ago, when Emilia was nine, Louise was watching a debate on Leaders' Questions and asked Emilia if she still had any problems with her hips. Emilia told her that she only gets pain when she walks

years. They should be exited much quicker than two years. Deputy Paul Murphy raised an issue which we dealt with during Leaders’ Questions. I believe what happened was fundamentally wrong. I do not believe a public inquiry is the way to do it. I have looked back over

significant sector in Ireland. In European terms we are the biggest location for medical devices. As I said earlier on Leaders' Questions, anything we do must be done in a financially sustainable way also. We are conscious of the risk to employment. I agree with Deputy Cleere

said earlier to Deputy Bacik, who raised this on Leaders' Questions - I have just responded to Deputy Nolan, who has also raised this issue - the Government's obligation is to vindicate the right of every child to education and to a school place. The Minister, Deputy McEntee

account was part of this grubby deal. Tomorrow, the Government plans the ludicrous spectacle of Lowry group of TDs standing up after Leaders' Questions to question the Government that they support and they designed and delivered. Of course, Micheál Martin was adamant that this was about ensuring fair

that would be a step too far. That would be the Rubicon crossed. Michael Lowry therefore insisted on getting this special arrangement of Leaders' Questions, the office of Ceann Comhairle and the other lot as special Ministers of State. Intellectually, he towers over some of them