It is proposed to take business in the following order. No. 7 (Vote 28). It is also proposed, by agreement, that the Minister for the Environment be called upon to reply to the debate not later than 3.15 p.m. today.
Order of Business.
(Cavan-Monaghan): On the Order of Business, with the permission of the Chair might I raise a matter of very considerable and urgent importance? There is a genuine and very widespread belief held both outside and within RTE that if the——
If it is a matter of urgent public importance, the Chair should be notified. The Deputy cannot raise this matter. It is a precedent which the Chair cannot allow to creep in.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a genuine belief there that if the proposed structure organisation——
It may be a very important matter, but the chair cannot allow it to be raised.
(Cavan-Monaghan):——in the television sector is allowed to go ahead that there will be——
Please co-operate with the Chair.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a genuine belief within RTE——
The Chair cannot permit the question to be raised if it has not been notified.
This is ridiculous. The Deputy can hear what the Chair is saying.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a genuine belief there that if the proposed structure organisation in the television sector——
Order, please.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is not a Government in the country.
It is pure nonsense. Either the Deputy recognises the Chair or he does not.
The Chair would like to point out, at the risk of being accused as it often has been of showing partiality that it cannot override Standing Orders in the matter of allowing people to come in and raise any matter they like without notice. That is not permissible.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am not suggesting that the Chair is showing partiality. There should be an opportunity of raising a matter like this in the House. It is widely held both inside and outside the House that if this proposed organisation goes ahead——
We shall not have any further discussion on this matter. Item No. 7.
(Cavan-Monaghan):——there will be a distinctive breakdown in the services.
Please, Deputy, Item No. 7.
(Cavan-Monaghan): When the Taoiseach is leaving the House, could I ask him to arrange for a cooling off period?
The Taoiseach is treating the House with contempt.