Leitrim TD urges Ministers to cut the waffle and provide adequate answers in the Dáil

Concern over ministers failing to answer parliamentary questions adequately has been expressed to the Taoiseach and high ranking civil servants in Government departments. The Clerk of the Dáil has written to the secretaries general across Government warning them that substantive answers must be provided to questions. Departments were put on notice too that questions must be answered on time, with the Clerk, Peter Finnegan saying he was aware of "late replies". It’s understood that the Ceann Comhairle has also raised this matter in correspondence to the Taoiseach. It’s being reported that Verona Murphy has received 65 complaints from TDs on this issue. Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny says in the past some Minister have been ducking and diving during the question and answers sessions in the Dáil. The Sinn Fein TD says in some instances they are failing to provide meaningful answers on matters of critical local importance.