Can the Chair take a matter to be raised on the Adjournment now?
Business of Dáil.
It is now after 4 o'clock.
I accept the Chair's ruling if it cannot be raised.
There is always an extension.
It is now after 4 o'clock and I am unable to accept it from the Deputy.
According to law, a person gets 10 minutes after the closing time.
I am ready to accept the ruling of the Chair. Will the Chair allow me?
Yes.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of whether or not it is proper for the Minister for Health to refuse to answer questions in relation to the number of citizens who are entitled to or who are receiving various health benefits in various regions of the State. I do not wish to make a statement at this stage but I must give you an opportunity to rule on me during the afternoon. In support of this I want to call your attention to subhead G of the Estimate for the Department of Health where this House gives a subvention of £37,885,000 in the year 1971-72 towards the working of health boards and also the precedent whereby in any clear activity by local authorities, where moneys from this House are available, questions have always been answered by Ministers.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Donegan.
I should like to express my thanks to you for ruling in this manner.