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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1981

Vol. 331 No. 4

Order of Business.

It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15 (resumed), 16, 7 and 8. Private Members' Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., will be item No. 32.

May I take it that the Taoiseach will be making a statement on the London Summit tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.?

That is correct.

Due to the circumstances that prevailed here on last Wednesday night concerning the question on the Adjournment put by Deputy Flor Crowley, would the Ceann Comhairle please tell the House what proposals he has to rectify the abnormal situation created?

The Deputy concerned can seek permission to raise the question tonight.

It is a matter of importance for the House to know.

Is the Deputy seeking permission to raise the matter tonight?

No. But the House is entitled to know.

We will wait until Deputy Crowley is here.

I am asking so that if it ever happens again we will have some rules and regulations concerning the matter.

On the Order of Business, having regard to the constitutional requirement in the interests of practical democracy that Members have unimpeded access to the House for the purpose of doing their business, I wonder if the Ceann Comhairle would use his good offices to ensure that the free passage of Members and, indeed, of the public to this House is no longer hindered by members of the Garda Síochána in proximity to this House who, out of sheer boredom, are causing obstruction and traffic hazards, such as is occurring today because cars are being prohibited from entering Molesworth Street from Kildare Street and cars are delayed entry to Leinster House for the purpose of carrying out facile and futile security operations while at the same time protesting citizens are marching in the street in a lawful manner. The result is that all the approaches to Leinster House are seriously obstructed and a number of Members have been delayed in getting access to the House. With respect I would suggest that the Ceann Comhairle's own personal inspection would show that the obstruction of cars entering Molesworth Street from Kildare Street is utterly useless and is in fact creating a traffic hazard which would not otherwise exist.

The Chair will investigate the matter as it affects Members of this House.

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