It is proposed to take the business as set out on the Order Paper, in the following order, Items No. 5 and No. 4. It is proposed that the consideration of Government business be not interrupted at the time usually fixed for Private Deputies' Business.
Order of Business.
In accordance with Standing Orders, I request leave to move for the adjournment of the Dáil on a definite matter of urgent public importance; that is, the sending of a letter by Mr. Séan MacBride, Dáil Deputy and Minister for External Affairs, to Dr. Noel Browne, Minister for Health, last night, requesting Dr. Browne to resign his office as Minister for Health. I do so on the grounds that this action by Mr. MacBride was unlawful and unconstitutional and a breach of the privileges of the Dáil. I just request leave now so to move and, if the leave is granted, then I will make my case on the adjournment.
The Chair has considered this matter and has decided to refuse the request of the Deputy. The matter sought to be raised by the Deputy is not one contemplated in Standing Order No. 29. As to whether any question of privilege is involved in the matter, that can be raised before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
May I request the Chair, then, to refer the matter to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges? I may say a very important matter is involved——
The Deputy will not be permitted to make any case now. If the Deputy so wishes, this matter will be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
I request that that be done.
The Deputy has now satisfied his malice.
He has shown up the unity of the Cabinet.
I desire to give notice that I will raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Questions No. 36 and No. 37.
That will be considered, and notice will be sent to the Deputy.
I ask the Deputy very sincerely, as a man who has, I hope, an interest in this work——
I cannot allow a discussion on the matter now. This is purely a matter for personal discussion rather than a discussion across the floor of the House.
The Parliamentary Secretary is not telling him to shut up now.
As I have said, it is purely a matter for personal consideration rather than for public discussion.
Mr. de Valera
In view of the statement made by Deputy Cowan, might I ask if the Taoiseach has any statement to make to the House? Does he wish to make any statement on this matter? We would like to know.
I regret I did not hear Deputy Cowan. In any event, whatever he said, at the moment I have no statement.