Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1968

Vol. 234 No. 8

Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 29.

Dr. O'Connell

In accordance with Standing Order 29, I request leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil for the purpose of discussing the following definite matter of urgent public importance.

That having regard to the recently stated views of Mr. Enoch Powell which are repugnant to the spirit and letter of the Proclamation of 1916, the Democratic Programme of the First Dáil and the Constitution of the State, the Government should take action to declare Mr. Enoch Powell persona non grata in view of his proposed visit to Dublin on Friday next, especially in view of the fact that his visit is liable to give offence to a significant number of persons studying and working in this country and because in itself his presence might incite civil disorder.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have given careful consideration to the Deputy's request in the light of the requirement that, to come within the terms of Standing Order 29, the matter must be one of urgent public importance. I have come to the conclusion that the matter raised by the Deputy does not fulfil this requirement and I must accordingly rule that the motion is not one contemplated by Standing Orders.

Dr. O'Connell

Have the Government any views or are they completely indifferent to the man's presence in Ireland? Surely they must realise that his presence is undesirable in the country and offensive to the State?

An Ceann Comhairle

I am afraid I cannot allow the Deputy to proceed further on this matter. I have given my ruling and the matter cannot be discussed in this way.

Mr. James Tully

I hope we will not have to be calling for an adjournment of the Dáil to discuss what has happened as a result of this gentleman's visit.

Mr. Dillon

I hope mob rule is not going to rule in this country. I hope that every man will be allowed to speak——

Mr. Corish

I hope he does not provoke anyone.

Mr. Dillon

Provoke my foot. If we cannot talk without mob rule——

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Dillon

I would die in defence of any man's right to speak within the law, whether I agree with him or not. We should not allow any mob to rule this country. He has the right to speak. This is a civilised country. We are not ruled by the mob, and please God, we never will be.

Mr. James Tully

We would be better off without that.

Mr. Dillon

If he speaks within the law, he has the right to speak and if he does not, we can put him in jail.

Mr. Corish

If he incites or provokes people?

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot have a discussion on this matter.

Mr. Dillon

We do not want the word to go out that a man cannot defend an unpopular view in this country without being assured of protection from any mob. Every man here can speak within the law.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

Order. Financial Motions by the Minister for Finance, in Committee. I would remind Members that the order of the House bringing these proceedings to a conclusion will commence to operate at 7.15 p.m. when I will call on a Member nominated by the Labour Party, followed at 8.15 p.m. by a Member nominated by Fine Gael and at 9.15 p.m. the Minister for Finance.