asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy whether he proposes to take emergency steps to safeguard the interests of Irish industry in the event of a refusal by bank staffs to handle sterling exchange transactions.
Private Notice Question. - Banks Dispute.
I understand that efforts are being made to bring the parties to this dispute together, and it would not be appropriate for me to say anything at this stage which might prejudice further discussions.
While appreciating the Minister's anxiety not to make matters worse, may we take it that the Government have some contingency programme up their sleeves in the event that this devastating blow is struck at Irish industry?
It would not be appropriate for me to say anything at this stage but we should not assume that a devastating blow has been struck at Irish industry at this stage.
When the Minister says that efforts are being made to bring the parties together, how urgently are these efforts being made and who is making them?
The chairman of the joint industrial council is making them and I understand they are being made urgently.
(Cavan-Monaghan): May we take it that the Minister is to become the third silent Minister on strikes, added to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs——
The Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
The way things are going everyone seems to be calling the shots except the Government.
The Order of Business.
May I have an assurance from the Minister that if conciliation moves fail he will intervene in the dispute?
The Minister has answered the question twice. I must move on to the Order of Business.
On a point of order, would the Chair be good enough to let me know publicly why it was felt appropriate to rule out of order——
Questions that are ruled out of order are not permitted to be raised. It is disorderly to do so. The Deputy is now well aware of that. I must rule out the practice of Deputies seeking to put in questions specifically for the purpose of raising them.
I do not do it very often. On the refuse disposal problem in Dublin I insist on asking publicly why it was appropriate to rule my question out of order.
The Deputy is not in order to do so.
I want to ask the Government if they are aware of the imminent health hazard to the people of Dublin.
I am calling on the Taoiseach.
(Interruptions.)