Before the question is asked would you allow me to protest publicly against the form in which it appears on the Order Paper?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SAORSTAT NATIONALS IN CHINA.
The following question appeared on the Order Paper in the name of Pádraig O hOgáin (An Clár):—
To ask the President if he is aware that many Saorstát Nationals are at present domiciled within the disturbed area at Hankow, in China, and if he will state what precautions the Executive Council of Saorstát Eireann proposes to take regarding the safety of these nationals.
Mr. HOGAN
The Deputy does not want the question answered in this form?
Mr. HOGAN
I put down the question in a different form, and I desire to protest.
Standing Orders prescribe that questions shall appear on the Order Paper in the form prescribed by the Chair. If the Deputy is not satisfied we could arrange to have the matter gone into later and agree on a form, but if the Deputy cannot agree with the Chair in regard to the form of the question then I think there is no remedy prescribed by our Standing Orders.
Mr. HOGAN
Am I not allowed to describe a citizen of Saorstát Eireann as an Irish National?
Will the Deputy ask the question in this form?
Mr. HOGAN
No. not in this form.
Very good.