asked the Minister for Defence if he will state when it is proposed to pay to members of the Army, and the wives of the married men, the increase in pay promised by his predecessor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pay Increases.
Mr. Byrne
I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by the Minister for Finance in reply to Questions Nos. 11, 12 and 13 on to-day's Order Paper.
Mr. Byrne
When the Minister makes his statement, will Deputies be allowed to discuss the statement and to ask the supplementary questions which they might ask on these questions if they were answered in the ordinary way? Will we be permitted to discuss the statement which the Minister may make, because we are anxious to know whether arrears will be paid from the date of the application or the date of the award?
Could we get any particulars of the promise indicated in the question?
Mr. Byrne
Will you, a Chinn Chomhairle, give me any indication that we can discuss the Minister's statement when it comes up or that we shall get some opportunity to ask necessary questions as to the date from which the award will be paid?
Deputies may ask supplementary questions on the statement but they may not discuss it.
Mr. Byrne
I am not quite clear on that. There are a number of points arising out of the question which might be asked by way of supplementary questions, but I understand that only one reply will be given in the form of statement to be made. I want to know now when that statement is made, will the House have an opportunity of discussing the statement if Deputies consider it unsatisfactory?
There is nothing before the House to discuss. Deputies may ask questions.
In case it is not possible to bring out all the additional information that might be required by means of a supplementary question, of course the matter may be raised on the Adjournment, for the purpose of giving the Minister a further opportunity on the Adjournment of elaborating anything he may wish to explain further.
Or by way of question put down next week.
If the Minister makes a statement, he does so with the permission of the House.
Even so, there may not be a discussion on the statement because there is no motion before the House. Supplementary questions may be asked and means may be found to discuss the matter further if desired.
Mr. Byrne
I wish to give notice now that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I do not know what the Deputy proposes to raise.