Might I ask for some help on this matter? I am anxious to know whether there is any procedure governing questions in this House relating to the private family affairs of a civil servant or a public servant. I am anxious to know whether there is any such governing procedure in relation to that.
Questions Regarding Public Servants.
Very often it is a matter of taste.
Is it not a matter that is entirely at the discretion of the Ceann Comhairle?
Yes.
And that any question appearing on the Order Paper has been passed by the Ceann Comhairle?
Yes. If a question passes the Ceann Comhairle it is in order. If it is not passed by the Ceann Comhairle, it will not appear.
May I put this, that civil servants have feelings and their wives and children have their feelings.
Now the Deputy wants to make a speech. The Deputy has got an answer to his question and cannot make a speech.
I do think that if the power that is in the hands of the Ceann Comhairle is not sufficient to prevent a certain type of question appearing on the Order Paper, the matter ought to be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
There is no question of curbing the powers of the Ceann Comhairle.
I want to increase the powers of the Ceann Comhairle.
You were very concerned about sewer rates yesterday.
I have no anxiety to get any further power.
May I ask about the Order of Business?
No. 6 and No. 1. Vote 58 is being taken, if necessary, out of its order, at 7 o'clock. All the others come together.
They are being taken in the order read out by the Taoiseach?
Yes, except 58.
The Welfare Bill will be held up for another while.
On the Adjournment, question No. 40, in the name of Deputy Killilea.