Vol. 43 No. 7
I move:—
That the following be adopted as a Standing Order of Dáil Eireann:—
PRAYER.
21a. Upon taking the Chair each day and before any business is entered upon, the Ceann Comhairle shall read the following prayer:—
Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy holy inspirations and carry them on by Thy gracious assistance; that every prayer and work of ours may always begin from Thee, and by Thee be happily ended; through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Resolved accordingly.
May I say a word or two about this?
It is not desirable to discuss this matter here. The proper place to do that would be at a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
I do not want to discuss it. I want to say that I welcome this motion standing in the names of Deputy Little and Deputy Allen, but I want to say also, without, I hope, being profane, that I do not like hypocrisy and I hope that we will be able to live up to that prayer——
The next item is No. 8 on the Order Paper.
I want to suggest—— (Interruptions and cries of "Order.") This is an exhibition of the Christian spirit.
Order, order. Sit down.
No. 8 on the Order Paper.
Am I not entitled to say what I want to say? Of course I will not be listened to by the hooligans. (Cries of "Order, order.")
I agree that this should not be discussed here, but, on a point of order, I ask by what right the Chair rules out discussion on a motion before the House? I agree such discussion is undesirable.
It is ruled out on the ground that it is a matter for consideration by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, and not in the House.
I want to make the point that the Chair has no right to rule out discussion on a motion before the House.
I leave it to the House to judge.
If the House is to decide on a matter of this kind it cannot be decided by riotous shouting. I agree with your decision, a Chinn Comhairle, but when you allowed Deputy Anthony to commence his speech it is monstrous it should have to be discontinued by reason of disorderly shouting.
