Do I correctly assume from you, Sir, that I must put in writing my complaint concerning the Táoiseach answering my Parliamentary Questions over the radio? Must that be put in writing before it will be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
Replies to Questions: Member's Complaint.
It is not part of my duty to take matters before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Members of Parties have their own representatives on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. They can so arrange the matter by communicating with me and if I think the matter is one that should go before the Committee, it will be put on the agenda.
Surely the Chair agrees with me that Radio Éireann should not be used to answer a Parliamentary Question?
The Chair is not in a position to say whether it agrees or disagrees on that question.
I cannot possibly accept on behalf of Fine Gael the interpretation you have just given. It is the right of representatives of Parties on the Committee to bring up at that Committee any matter the Party deems desirable and there is no question of any veto by the Chair.
I did not say there was any veto.
If you look at what you have said you will find it is capable of that interpretation.
I did not say there was any veto.
It may not have been so intended.
I said the members of Parties have their own representatives on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
And that if you agree, it should be put forward.
It must be relevant to that committee.
Certainly relevance must be considered, but there is no veto.
Whether I agree in relation to charges or allegations is a matter on which I have nothing to say, but I must see whether a matter which is to go before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is relevant to the functions of the Committee.
I can assure the Chair I feel the Committee should consider whether it is right for replies to a Deputy's Questions to be made over Radio Éireann.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
I should like to be advised by the Chair on what I am to do.
The Deputy is obviously not seeking the advice of the Chair.
May I write to the Ceann Comhairle about this matter? I shall make my complaint.