Before the Taoiseach mentions the Order of Business, may I say that I have not been able to contact you and that certain documents were made available to me? May I have your permission to make a short statement by way of personal explanation after the Order of Business has been settled?
Prelude
Do chuaigh an Ceann Comhairle i gceannas ar 10.30 a.m.
Paidir.
Prayer.
This is unusual. The Chair is usually notified.
These documents did not reach me in time last night.
I suggest that if the Chair has any problem, it should be done after Questions.
It merely arises out of the allegations about the car.
That is not urgent, surely?
I think it is but I do not think it will cause any great excitement. I think it better to get it out of the way as quickly as possible so that we can turn to the discussion of economics.
I am unwilling to create a precedent of this kind. Precedents have been established which are that the Chair is notified.
I understand the Chair. I can deal with the matter in the course of the discussion on the Vote on Account.
The Deputy will understand my reasons for asking for time because otherwise it would create a precedent which might have a very bad effect.
If the Chair has any difficulty in regard to the matter of precedent, pray, let the matter drop.