Before Questions begin, might I make this point? It is only in the last hour that we heard that parades will be banned in the north until the end of next January and that the RUC are to control the Bogside and Falls areas. Would the Taoiseach take an early opportunity to comment on this, particularly as the latter move may be a source of disturbance of the peace in those two areas?
Business of Dáil.
I have already commented publicly on it.
There has been no statement to the House.
We do not debate everything that happens in the House.
It is not in order to raise a matter without giving prior notice.
I heard it only a short while ago. I did not hear the Taoiseach's statement. Would he repeat it to the House, or the gist of it?
If I am in order, I shall do so.
It is hardly in order.
This is a matter of the utmost national gravity.
There are rules of order to be borne in mind. The matter should not be raised in this fashion.
We are asking the Taoiseach to repeat what he said outside the House.
We cannot have a debate in this fashion.
The Taoiseach indicated that, with the permission of the Chair, he would be prepared to make a short statement.
I am subject to the ruling of the Chair.
The matter is out of order and cannot be debated at this stage.
Before turning to the Questions, I want to say something for the information of the House which I omitted to say this morning at the commencement of business. The Acting Minister for Social Welfare indicated to the House that he proposed to have amendments to the Social Welfare Bill for the Seanad today in which event it would be necessary for the House to approve of these amendments tonight in order to have the Bill effective by 1st August. If the House would agree to the Minister's coming back with these amendments——
If there is any difference of opinion on the matter could we take it next Tuesday, 28th instant?
If there is any such difficulty it could be arranged.
How is it possible that the Taoiseach can make that statement and yet the Chair will not allow him to make a statement on a far more urgent matter?
This matter was discussed in the House yesterday evening, namely, that the Bill should be taken today.
Matters of importance are ignored.
Deputies
The Social Welfare Bill is important.
Deputies
We do not deny that.
The Ceann Comhairle's ruling is constantly belittling the importance of this House.
It is in accordance with the procedure adopted by the Deputies of this House.
The Taoiseach indicated that he would make a comment with the permission of the Chair and the Chair said "No" to the Taoiseach.
It is not in order.
It looks as if it is time we closed up the business of this place.