It is proposed to take Business in the following order: Nos. 14 and 13 (Votes 42 and 48). By agreement it is proposed to take No. 14 with Vote 42. Questions will be taken at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
May I repeat my request for permission to raise the subject matter of Questions Nos. 49 to 51 on yesterday's Order Paper? It would facilitate matters if, during the day, the Minister for Social Welfare would ask that this appeal, the subject of these questions, be heard? Perhaps, it could be decided before 5 p.m. this evening which would save the Minister and myself.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Flanagan. We cannot have a discussion at this stage.
I realise that, but I am sure that the Chair realises my position. In my constituency there are hundreds of people who are cold and hungry at this moment. This is a matter of the gravest possible urgency. If the Minister cannot have a decision on this, he might make useful representations to the trade unions to make payments to these people.
We cannot have a discussion on the matter at this stage.
I am afraid that neither the Taoiseach nor the Minister for Social Welfare realises the seriousness of the situation. There are hundreds of hungry people with neither fire nor money for the past month. I would ask the Minister to have some information on this. I am living among these people and know their circumstances, and it is a very serious matter.