It is proposed to take Nos, 6 (resumed), 7 (resumed), 8, 10 and 11 and to take Private Members' Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. — No. 20 (resumed).
Order of Business.
I tabled a Private Notice Question today in relation to the publicity given during the past few days to a matter concerning Erin Foods but my question was not allowed on the basis that it did not fulfil the necessary criteria. I suggest that the Minister for Finance should have been here to make a statement on this matter, which is the cause of grave disquiet in the country generally as to what the situation is.
The Deputy is totally in contravention of practice by seeking to raise a matter he has been refused permission to raise. He has been told why the question was disallowed. Consequently, it is disorderly to endeavour to raise it here.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention to have a statement made in this House on this subject at an early date?
Which subject?
The matter of the sugar company.
I did not have any notice of a question of this kind.
In view of the public disquiet caused by the publicity being given to this matter, is it the intention of the Taoiseach to have a statement made here at an early date in this regard?
I did not have any knowledge of this matter being raised in the House and, therefore, I am not in a position to make any statement about it.
Is the Taoiseach saying that he has not any knowledge of the matter referred to?
I have told the Deputy that, since I had no knowledge of this matter being raised in the House, I am not in a position to comment on it.
We are giving the Taoiseach notice now that the matter will be raised again tomorrow.