I would like to raise a question of Order. As the Minister promised to make a statement, I want to ensure that a right to discuss the matter will be afforded. I can do that by giving notice now, but if we get an assurance that the matter will be open for discussion there will be no necessity.
QUESTION OF ORDER.
Is this the matter arising out of Question No. 2 which the President said he would make a statement on?
Yes. I want to ensure that the statement which is made will be open to discussion if the Dáil desires.
Is that the President's intention?
The Minister for External Affairs will make a statement now, if you, sir, are agreeable.
I am agreeable, but I take it the President also means to have a discussion, if necessary.
Yes, if necessary.
The Orders of the Day are formal; that is to say, if any objection is taken to Nos. 4 and 6 on the Order Paper, they will not be proceeded with. If we could dispose of the Orders of the Day first and take the statement afterwards, would it not be more convenient?
It would not, according to our Standing Orders, limit the discussion in any way if the Minister for External Affairs made his statement on the Motion for the Adjournment.
The matter is an important one, and I will have to be trusted to allow the requisite discussion.