Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Apr 1964

Vol. 208 No. 8

Newspaper Report. - Question of Privilege.

The Taoiseach

A Cheann Comhairle, I consider it to be my duty to direct your attention to a statement reported in the Press of April 7th to have been made by a member of the Dáil, Councillor R. Ryan, T.D., at a meeting of the Dublin City Council, as follows:

Many members of Dáil Éireann are blatantly dishonest in this regard. They make claims for travel expenses when they travel in other Deputies' cars.

It seems to me that a question of the privileges of Dáil Éireann is involved. As custodian of the dignity of the House and the honour of its members, you may consider it desirable to take appropriate action.

An Ceann Comhairle

A statement reported to have been made by a member of the House has been submitted to me. The statement itself is prima facie a breach of the privileges of the House and I think the matter should be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for whatever action they may deem necessary.

Mr. Dillon

I take it the subject of that Press report, which I believe appeared in the Irish Press, to which the Taoiseach has referred, is to be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Is that your suggestion? If it is, it is one in which I would entirely concur.

Mr. Corish

In view of the fact that a serious allegation was made by a member of the House, we agree this matter should be cleared up, that it should be submitted to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges who can find out if there is any foundation for such allegations.

Mr. M.J. O'Higgins

Is there authority in the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to call for evidence from the newspaper concerned with regard to the report?

An Ceann Comhairle

I do not know whether we have power to force, but we can call for the evidence.

Mr. Ryan

Before the matter goes any further, in view of the statement of Deputy Corish, I should like the House to understand that what was reported was not necessarily what was said.

Mr. Corish

What I might have said was: "As reported in the newspaper." That is the only evidence I have.

Ordered: That the matter be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.