On behalf of Deputy McGilligan, I desire to request leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil to-day for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely the position which has arisen regarding the supply of electricity and fuel. I understand that this matter has already been brought to the notice of the Government and that they have agreed to give time for discussion of the motion.
Adjournment on matter of urgent, public importance: Standing Order 29.
Mr. Lynch
Will Deputies who are in favour of the motion rise in their places?
Deputies rose in their places.
I understand that a period of one and a half hours is to be allowed for discussion of the matter before the ordinary time for adjournment.
Mr. Lynch
I understand that it is arranged that the motion for the adjournment be taken at 7.30.
It would be better for the Deputy to move in his own name. He could let Deputy McGilligan in later.
Are we to understand that discussion on this matter will consist substantially of interrogatories from Deputy McGilligan and some other front-bench Deputies and will sufficient time be allowed for the Minister to make as full an answer as he wishes? In other words, is it possible to arrive at an understanding by which the Minister for Industry and Commerce will be afforded sufficient time between the hour at which the motion is moved and the time of adjournment to say what he thinks it is in the public interest to say?
The tendency would be to invite the Minister for Industry and Commerce to intervene at the earliest possible moment.
Would the Minister consider making a statement at the outset which might be sufficiently informative for Deputies?
That could be done by a different procedure. The initiative, however, has been taken in tabling this motion.
The difficulty could be got over by asking the Minister what statement he proposes to make on the matter. That would allow the Minister to get in immediately.
It was something on those lines which I had in mind. However, a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.
The suggestion made by Deputy Norton would suit us if it suited the Minister.
The motion for the adjournment will be taken at 7.30.