It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 5, 8 and 13. It is proposed to interrupt business at 7 p.m. to take Nos. 8 and 13, and to take Private Deputies' business at 8 o'clock.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he can see his way to give Government time for consideration of No. 21—Meath Hospital Bill?
I cannot say offhand what the position of business is. I will see if it can be done, but I would not hold out much hope.
Would the Taoiseach indicate whether the House will meet at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow?
Yes, 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.
Major de Valera
On a point of order and procedure in the House with regard to the addressing of questions. I addressed questions to the Minister for Local Government and to the Minister for Health in regard to preparations and plans in regard to civil defence and air raid precautions. I understand that, on the initiative of one of the Departments concerned, one of these questions has been disallowed and that the question to the Minister for Health has been transferred to the Department of Defence. In connection with these questions, in my submission to the Chair, the Minister for Local Government has responsibility in the matter of civil defence, if only consultative, under Section 29 of the Air Raid Precautions Act, and I submit that the questions which I asked, which were merely to elicit information as to whether any attention was being given to this matter——
The Deputy may not discuss the question now.
Major de Valera
I beg the Chair's pardon. That was the purpose. I submit that the question should be allowed to go to the Minister. I would also, as a matter of information, appreciate an answer from the Minister for Health on the matter, as there is a question of co-ordination there. Or, should I address that question to the Taoiseach?
The Ceann Comhairle is responsible in that matter. I was shown the question. I looked up the Acts. I do not agree with the Deputy's interpretation. In Section 20 there is talk of consultation, which the Minister for Defence, who is the responsible Minister under the Air Raid Precautions Act, need not follow. Therefore, the responsibility rests with the Minister for Defence. Section 29, as far as I can recollect, adumbrates the possible dissolution of a body if it does not do certain things but the primary responsibility, according to Section 2 of the Act, rests with the Minister for Defence.
Major de Valera
I am asking for the Chair's ruling on the matter but——
There is no "but". The Chair has decided it after consideration, on reading the Acts.
Major de Valera
I submit it is a point of procedure and order here but, to stress the principle that statutory authority must be produced before a Minister may be asked a question, would in effect muzzle Deputies who seek information. That is my respectful submission to the Chair. I do not question your ruling. Seeing that the Department of Local Government and local authorities and the Minister for Health, with emergency health services, must, of necessity, if we are to have a realistic approach, be informed of this problem——
The Deputy is debating a decided matter.
Major de Valera
If the Chair pleases, but it leaves defence in a very artificial position.
I wish to repeat my request to be afforded an opportunity of discussing the subject matter of Questions Nos. 42, 44, 45 and 46, on the Adjournment.
I stated twice in the House to-day that I have accepted Deputy Cogan's proposal to debate a certain matter relating to a post office, on the Adjournment. It is accepted.
If I cannot get that time this week, perhaps I will have a claim next week, if the Dáil is sitting.
If it is raised again and there is no matter considered more urgent, the Deputy will get in, but not to-day.
I do not like the qualification.
The qualification is made by the Chair and it is established rule. You cannot get an option. You cannot pre-empt other people's rights.
May I ask what private business will be on to-night? Is it a Bill or a motion?
The Bill. A Bill takes precedence, if it is under way, in any case, and it is, I understand.
The Bill and Baltinglass. You will have the two.
Major de Valera
On a further point of order, will the Chair permit me to put the question to the Minister for Local Government or to the Minister for Defence? If we are sitting next week, I can re-do it.
It will be put to the Minister for Defence, if the Deputy desires.
Major de Valera
I would be grateful if the Chair will allow that.