On the question of procedure, Sir, as you are aware at a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges suggestions were made about the tabling of questions and the order in which they would appear on the Order Paper. We were told that our recommendations were likely to be accepted and that questions not answered on a particular day would be moved up on the list. The order would be the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and then the questions that were left over from the previous day would be taken. As you are aware, questions were put down to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs——
Business of Dáil.
We cannot discuss this. This matter is before a committee that has been set up by the House to inquire into it.
The committee have made a decision.
We cannot discuss it here. It has not come before us.
I have had a question down about a booster station for six weeks and I am getting rather perturbed about it.
We would need a booster station for the questions.
On a point of order, am I entitled to an explanation of the rejection of my question?
I understand that the Minister will be making that explanation.
Deputy Spring and I addressed a question to the Taoiseach regarding the extension of the privileges of Dáil Éireann to Members of Stormont who have withdrawn from that Assembly. This is a matter for the Dáil.
We cannot discuss it. It has been ruled out of order.
Has any member of the Government any responsibility for answering this question? This is a matter of national importance.
It is not in order and the Deputy is well aware of that.
Surely somebody on the Government benches should be in a position to make a statement on the matter.
It has been ruled out of order and the Deputy may not discuss it in this disorderly fashion.
Apart from the demerits or merits of the case, surely some member of the Government should be able to speak on behalf of the Government on the question posed by the two Deputies.
It is not a matter for the Taoiseach or the Government. It is a matter for the Dáil and Deputy Coughlan was so informed.
I understand that, but when the Ceann Comhairle says it is a matter for the Dáil, if it were to be proposed or accepted, who would introduce it or propose it?
That is not a matter for the Chair.
The Chair has already disallowed the matter. Where do I go now?
It is not in order and we cannot have a discussion on it in this fashion.
With due respect——
We must have some order. I am calling the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Surely some member of the Government should be able to answer the question.
Order. Will the Deputy please sit down?
I will if I get an answer to my question and I will not take this fobbing off from anybody on this issue.