It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 14 (resumed)——
Order of Business.
Could we have an answer from the Chair as to whether or not the matter is appropriate to be examined by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
It does not seem to me to be appropriate but the Deputy has his own means open to him.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
On a point of order, could I inquire from the Chair why it is that the business of the House today did not commence as laid down in Standing Orders with the reading of the Order of Business by the Taoiseach?
Because a Member had intimated to the Chair that he wished to make a personal explanation and it was in order to call that Member before the Order of Business.
Is it not in order to call such a Member after the Order of Business has been decided?
My advice was to the contrary, Deputy. Order of Business, the Taoiseach.
The final speaker for the Fianna Fáil Party will be called not later than 6.15 p.m. and the final Government speaker will be called not later than 7.15 p.m. to conclude the debate on No. 16 (resumed).
The Taoiseach might have the courtesy to read the Order of Business as he wished to present it, not to conclude a statement made while the Ceann Comhairle was speaking.
I had read the Order of Business. The person who was speaking was Deputy O'Malley.
(Interruptions.)
I had read it while Deputy O'Malley was speaking. Did the Deputy not hear it?
(Interruptions.)
Do the Deputies want to hear it again? I will read it again.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
We did not hear it at all. We want to hear it for the first time.
If the Leader of the Opposition's Deputy would keep quiet the Deputy would have heard it the first time.
Not at all.
The Taoiseach should not be childish.
Deputy O'Malley should learn how to conduct himself.
(Interruptions.)
It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 14 (resumed), 15 (resumed), No. 13 at 3.30 p.m. and No. 16 (resumed) at 5.15 p.m. The final speaker for the Fianna Fáil Party will be called on not later than 6.15 p.m. and the final Government speaker will be called on not later than 7.15 p.m. to conclude the debate on No. 16 (resumed).
May I ask your permission to raise the subject matter of Question No. 4 on last Thursday's Order Paper on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy.