Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 May 1974

Vol. 272 No. 13

Committee on Finance. - Statement by the Ceann Comhairle.

An Ceann Comhairle

May I avail of this opportunity to ask the House to permit me to make a statement?

I have investigated the allegation made earlier today by Deputy Desmond O'Malley in relation to the Money Resolution for the Food Standards Bill, 1974. I find that the allegation is entirely without foundation. The Tánaiste was in the House and duly moved the motion, which was agreed to without debate in Committee on Finance, and then duly reported to the House and agreed by the House.

The shorthand note of the reporter who was in the House at the time recorded the Minister for Health as moving the motion. The typescript which the reporter made from her notes and gave to the Editor shortly afterwards again shows the Minister for Health as moving the Resolution. Again, the note of the proceedings which the Clerk of the Dáil is obliged to make under Standing Order 77 shows the Tánaiste as moving the Resolution.

Finally, the reporter referred to, the Clerk Assistant of the Dáil, and myself, who were all present at the time, clearly recollect the Tánaiste being present and moving this Resolution.

Major de Valera

A very red herring, indeed——

Mr. S. Flanagan

By what right does the Ceann Comhairle take this particular action?

Major de Valera

It is a very red herring when we were discussing some very serious national matters——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy asked that this matter be investigated today and it was so done by the Chair.

An Tánaiste

I should merely like to confirm I was present here and moved the Money Resolution for the Food Standards Bill.

Mr. Andrews

Is this in order?

An Tánaiste

I am corroborating what the Ceann Comhairle said. I assume Deputy O'Malley will apologise to the Chair.

Mr. O'Malley

In view of what was said, and what the Tánaiste said, I accept that this was done. All I can say is that I was present during the entirely of the debate and I did not hear or see the Resolution being moved. Nonetheless, in view of what the Chair has said I accept that it was done. I believe from those of my colleagues who were with me at the time that none of them heard or saw it either but I am sure that, like myself, they will accept it was done.

Deputies

Apologise to the Chair.

An Tánaiste

I accept what the Deputy has said. I distinctly remember the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries going down these benches and coming across to me to remind me that, as Parliamentary Secretary, he could not move a Money Resolution. I did so.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

It is the duty of the Chair to clear up a matter of this kind. This was the first opportunity I had.

Mr. G. Collins

The Chair has a duty in a lot of other matters.