: May I ask the reason for refusing to accept my Private Notice Question relative to the Newcastlewest robbery?
Business of Dáil .
: It would be disorderly to raise the matter of why it was refused.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It would be embarrassing.
: These questions are vetted in accordance with well-known and fixed criteria. The Deputy is in a position to submit an ordinary question.
: I have studied Standing Order No. 31 which relates to matters of urgent public importance. I suggest that despite the spate of recent armed robberies——
: This matter may not be discussed now. There is a habit now when a question is turned down of the Deputy concerned raising the reason for the refusal.
: I submit that a robbery of £500,000 is a matter of urgent public importance.
: A robbery in broad daylight.
: Even more so, the prevention of such robberies is a matter of public importance.
: The Deputy may not discuss it now.
: If that is so, I question the relevance of the Dáil in such matters.
: I am calling Item No. 7. Restrictive Practices (Confirmation of Order) Bill, 1978.
: I wish to raise a point of order in regard to this matter. This arose only ten days ago——
: Question Time is over and the matter cannot be raised at this stage. I am calling on the Minister of State.
: I wish to quote from two Dáil debates——
: The Deputy may not do so at this stage. We moved to other business at 3.30 p.m. He can take the opportunity of raising the matter elsewhere.
: I appreciate that, but I wish to draw the attention of the Chair to the fact that on 1 November 1973 the matter of the escape of three prisoners from Mountjoy was discussed here——
: The matter has been decided by the Chair. I am not going to enter into discussion with the Deputy about it. I have already called the Minister of State.
(Interruptions.)
: The Minister of State is in possession. We have moved to other business. The Deputy can raise the matter with the Ceann Comhairle at some stage.
: At that time the then Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Lynch, asked the then Taoiseach, Deputy Cosgrave, to make a statement——
The Deputy cannot raise that matter now.
: He asked him to make a statement——
: The Deputy must obey the Chair. That matter was ruled on by the Ceann Comhairle and it is most unfair to bring it up now in this manner.
: There is a precedent.
: I wish to quote from the Dáil debate——
: The Deputy may not continue in that way.
: I realise that I may be placing the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in an embarrassing position——
: It is most unfair to raise the matter in this fashion. I have told the Deputy he may raise it with the Ceann Comhairle at a later stage.
: I thought the Ceann Comhairle should have had the courtesy to remain in the House.
: I have asked the Deputy not to continue in this fashion.
: Let the Ceann Comhairle come back to the House.
: The Deputy should not enter into this. We are going on to other business.
: I should have thought that the Taoiseach would come into the House.
: If Deputies will not allow business to proceed we will have to adjourn the House.
: The country is in a chaotic state.
: I want to put on record——
(Interruptions.)
: If the Deputies will not allow business to proceed we will have to adjourn the House.
: Is the Deputy not entitled to raise a matter on a point of order?
: He is not entitled to come in here and to raise a matter that has been decided by the Ceann Comhairle.
: Where is the opportunity of raising the matter?
: Deputies either want to let the business of the House proceed or they do not.
: The Ceann Comhairle has left the Chamber, as have the Minister and the whole Fianna Fáil Party, with one exception.
: This matter was raised last week and Deputy Enright is well aware of that. A decision was made on it last week and it cannot be raised again in this fashion.
: I am sorry the Leas-Cheann Comhairle has been placed in such a position because of this discussion——
: There is no discussion. There is a Bill before the House at the moment.
: I wish to draw the attention of the House to the statement of the then Taoiseach on 19 March——
: The Deputy must obey the Chair. I do not want to suspend him. I wish to proceed with the business of the House.
: It is a sad day when the Government will not allow someone to come to the House and to speak on this matter. I regret very much——
: The Deputy does not regret anything. It was most unfair of the Deputy to raise a matter when he was told it was not in order.
: The Government have no interest in democracy.
: Deputy O'Keeffe should conduct himself also.
: The Taoiseach should come to the House and make a statement here.
: Will the Deputy please resume his seat? I am calling on the Minister of State.