It is proposed to take Nos. 3, 4 and 12 and in 12 Votes 41 and 26. There will be no Private Members' Business.
Order of Business.
I understand Deputy Corish wants to make an inquiry.
I do not want to take advantage of the Taoiseach on this but, in view of the concern of Irish people and particularly the relatives of missionaries in Nigeria, I wonder would the Taoiseach be in a position today or early tomorrow to make a statement to the House as to the intended fate of Bishop Whelan and the other 20 missonaries now in Port Harcourt?
As the Deputy is aware, the Government and the Minister for External Affairs in particular have been taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of our missionaries in the former Biafran territory. I am not in a position to give absolutely accurate, up-to-date minute details of the whereabouts of Bishop Whelan and other of his missionary colleagues or the present circumstances of their detention but I will try and ascertain that. If I have news even later this evening I can communicate it to the Deputy or to the House or, if not, tomorrow morning.
Could the Taoiseach say when it is proposed to take No. 1 on the Order Paper?
That is a matter about which perhaps the Deputy might consult with our Chief Whip. I do not know offhand when it is likely. If the Deputy gave a little notice of these queries it might be possible to give an answer.
It has been on the Order Paper long enough and I am quite sure the Taoiseach read the Order Paper as I did. I would be grateful if the Chief Whip would consult with the Taoiseach and let us know when——
I have read it but it is not always easy to identify an item by a number.
I knew the Taoiseach had today's Order Paper.
(Cavan): May I draw the attention of the Chair to the fact that on Question No. 14 today the memory of a highly respected statesman and patriot, Arthur Griffith, was insulted in a calculated and deliberate way by Deputy Foley and that the insult was corroborated by the Minister for Local Government? Might I suggest that that insult should be erased from the records of the House or that those Deputies should be men enough and decent enough to withdraw the insult?
That may be the Deputy's view. I did not insult Arthur Griffith.
(Cavan): The Deputy was prompted by the Minister for Local Government. He was the catspaw for the Minister for Local Government. He should be ashamed of himself. He is a despicable swine.
No. 3.
If Members are so concerned about the proprieties of the House might I ask if it is in order for a Deputy to describe another Deputy as a "despicable swine"?
(Interruptions.)
If the statement "despicable swine" was made it should be withdrawn. It is totally out of order.
(Cavan): Either the Chair heard it or he did not hear it.
Does the Deputy deny he said it? I heard it distinctly.
(Cavan): I say, a Cheann Comhairle, that anybody who insulted the memory of Arthur Griffith in this House or elsewhere is nothing short of a despicable swine.
(Interruptions.)
Order. No. 3.