It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 15 and 16, and in No. 16 Votes 39, 43, 44 and 36.
Order of Business.
Would the Ceann Comhairle explain to me why I was not allowed to raise on the Adjournment last evening the question of the falsification of medical certificates by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs?
This matter does not arise on the Order of Business. The Chair adjudicated on a number of matters that were before the Chair and made a ruling. If Deputy Fitzgerald wants to come to my office to discuss the matter he may do so.
Every morning we have had difficulties on the Order of Business. It would never be my intention to create such difficulties. We asked you to give permission for a Private Members' motion.
I will be firm this morning. This is not in order on the Order of Business.
I have not known a morning when you were not firm.
I cannot allow this.
You will have the co-operation of the House, but in view of the seriousness of this situation——
Will Deputy Fitzgerald resume his seat?
Now we are told that there were four certificates, not one.
Deputy Fitzgerald is an experienced parliamentarian and he should know that he has ways in which to raise this matter, if he wishes.
One of the ways I had was to raise the issue on the Adjournment. Will you give me permission to raise it on the Adjournment tonight?
If Deputy Fitzgerald is requesting permission to raise it on the Adjournment, I will communicate with him.
Though the Taoiseach may not be present, at the same time this morning's newspapers have reports showing double standards. We are told about a Garda driver who was pilloried——
This does not arise.
This House is supposed to afford fair play to everybody and to protect the rights of all. A Garda driver was pilloried——
Will the Deputy resume his seat?
I would ask if, in the absence of the Taoiseach, the Deputy Leader of the Government would indicate that he would communicate with the Director of Public Prosecutions concerning the matter we discussed yesterday.
This is out of order.
It may be, but it is very serious.
Would you agree that there seems to have been double standards?
Will the Deputy resume his seat? I am calling No. 15.