Yesterday a difficulty arose about a question. A written answer was refused to the question on the grounds that there was another question of a similar character by another Deputy. My understanding is that, under Standing Orders—the relevant Standing Order is in page 29—if a Deputy requests a written answer, it shall be given, and there is no conditional clause attached, as far as I am aware. I am wondering, in the circumstances, what is the basis for the decision to refuse a written answer to a Deputy who has sought one.
Business of Dáil.
The Chair was guided by the long-standing precedent in the matter. If Deputies wish to have it changed. I think the Committee on Procedure and Privileges could do that. There were three questions involved in the same answer, and I understand it has always been the practice that when one of the people concerned requests a written reply, unless the consent of the other two is given the questions stand as oral ones and are not taken off the Order Paper then.
In view of the fact that this practice, if it exists, seems to run flatly contrary to the mandatory requirements of Standing Orders and leaves it open to a Deputy, by putting down a question, to prevent another Deputy getting a written answer, I think it is a matter which should be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
There seems to be an anomaly there.