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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1959

Vol. 177 No. 6

Business of Dáil.

Yesterday I gave notice that I would ask the Taoiseach a question. The question was: would he give members time to discuss his speech at Oxford University on proposals for the solution of the Partition problem? He spoke about being given notice. I gave notice.

Discussion can take place in the Dáil only on a motion. I do not contemplate putting any motion before the Dáil.

Is it fair to members of the House, which is the statutory body responsible for national policy, that they should be ignored, whereas a motion has been put down by the Fianna Fáil Executive for discussion next Wednesday that the Árd Fheis endorse——

The Deputy may not make a speech on this matter. The Deputy has asked a question and he has received a reply.

May I assure the Deputy that I do not regard him as being bound by anything I say?

May I suggest that the Deputy might be informed that if he wishes, he can consult the machinery of the House? I am sure the Leas-Cheann Comhairle would afford him the assistance he requires.

Just before I finish, the Taoiseach is anxious that anything we do——

The Deputy has finished.

Yes, Sir, but bombs and bullets speak better and I am asking to have the matter discussed here rather than to have it discussed up in the North with landmines. We will have to go to the Árd Fheis.

A Deputy

The Deputy will be very welcome.

I asked permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to make a statement regarding the record of the House and a statement made by a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Moloney, in the debate on the Funds of Suitors Bill.

Before the Deputy proceeds, the incident, which he has already mentioned to me, occurred a week ago. For that reason, the Chair will not allow him to raise it now. If such matters were allowed to be raised, a part of each day would be taken up by members in qualifying or denying statements made by them and by others in previous debates. I cannot allow the Deputy to raise the matter particularly as it is of no special importance, nor does it reflect on his integrity in any way.

When could I raise it?

The next day?

I am not prepared to advise the Deputy on that.

Well, I shall consult with you, Sir.

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