May I ask the Ceann Comhairle if he could make a statement on the present position concerning the dispute between the Dáil Reporters and the Department of Finance? Could he let the House know whether the matter has been referred to arbitration and, if so, have any prior conditions been made in respect of this arbitration and whether the matter is proceeding satisfactorily or not?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Reporting Services.
To whom does the Deputy wish to address the question?
To the Ceann Comhairle.
The Deputy did not give me any notice of the question.
Is the Ceann Comhairle in a position to answer my question? Does he know the present position?
There are Standing Orders governing the putting of Questions.
The Minister is bursting to answer the question.
If the Minister for Health comes into it, it will never be settled.
This will be like the dispute with the doctors. He is tired of the doctors and wants to open another front somewhere else.
The Deputy is getting funnier every day.
I think there is a misunderstanding amongst members of the House with regard to this matter. I understood from reading the paper last week that this matter had gone to arbitration. That is what I should like to know. I am sure other members of the House would like to know about that. Is that the position?
The Chair cannot make a categorical "yes" or "no" answer at the moment, and I do not think it is improving the position one way or another to discuss it any further at this stage.
I should like, if I may, to give notice that I should like to raise the matter again on Tuesday next and perhaps the Ceann Comhairle will be in a better position to answer it then.
This is treating the Chair with contempt. There are Standing Orders with regard to putting Questions.
Do not muddy this stream.