I move: "That Deputy Fahey be suspended from the service of the Dáil."
Suspension of Member.
I am putting the question: "That Deputy Fahey be suspended from the service of the Dáil."
On a point of order——
There is no point of order when the Chair is on his feet.
Question put and declared carried.
Deputy F. Fahey withdrew from the Chamber.
I want to make it clear, because I hear the clack over there contributing different motives to this side of the House that we are not voting on this because it is a principle and, except in extraordinary circumstances, we do not vote on a matter when you want to put somebody out. I want to say, Sir, that you are contributing to the disorder of this House.
(Interruptions.)
On a point of order——
It is a well known Fascist tactic to shout everybody down.
We are going to stay here in spite of the Coalition.
Order, please. I must have order from both sides of the House. I am calling Deputy Tunney.
I want to refer to Standing Order No. 30 and your last reply to our leader where you indicated that, even in the future, you would allow the spirit of Standing Order No. 30 to be applied. Are you excluding from your consideration that fact that some new matter may emerge in the next day or two which would require you to alter your present position?
First, Deputy Tunney did not hear me correctly, and second, I am not prepared to argue hypothetical cases with the Deputy. I am calling Deputy Power.
I am referring to what the Ceann Comhairle said. I am asking you if you would change your mind if a new matter was brought to your attention?
I will treat every application on its merits.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I can answer Deputy Tunney's question. The Ceann Comhairle will not change his mind because be is determined that the Government will not be forced out into the open on this issue.
I am surprised at Deputy Haughey. I must ask him to withdraw that remark.
We will flush them out.
I must ask Deputy Haughey to withdraw that remark, please, and I am sure on consideration he will.
What are you asking me to withdraw?
That I am determined to prevent the Government from being flushed out into the open — in other words, that the Chair is acting in a partisan way.
Naturally, I do not wish to be disorderly, but I find your ruling inexplicable on any other basis. I cannot understand how you will not allow the normal procedure of the House being adjourned for an hour-and-a-half to discuss this matter. If you can give me an explanation I certainly will withdraw my remark.
I am asking Deputy Haughey to withdraw his imputation.
What implication am I to withdraw?
That the Chair is partisan, that will do me.
I will certainly withdraw any suggestion that the Chair is partisan but I must say the Chair is being misguided in this matter.
Facists.
We will flush you out, every one of you.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Deputy De Rossa.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the continued imprisonment of seven students arising from the dispute regarding the withdrawal of medical cards from persons between the ages of 16 and 25.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I listened to your explanation as to why the matter being requested by our leader could not be raised and the words you used were that you were "forced to the conclusion".
That would indicate that there was a certain conflict in your mind as to whether you should allow this. Would you not have another look into your mind to see that you may have been wrong on the first occasion?
That is the lawyer coming out in me. This is the way lawyers talk sometimes.
Thank God I do not belong to that profession. I would like an answer.
What I meant to say was that the weight of reason compelled me to act as I did.
I am becoming increasingly convinced that there is a cover up.
On a point of order, Sir, when Deputy Fahey was making a very reasoned case——
Deputy Fahey remained on his feet for a noticeable time when the Chair was on his feet asking him to resume his seat.
Will you not allow me to develop the point of order, please?
Tell me what it is.
On a point of order, when Deputy Fahey was on his feet making a reasonable case on behalf of the imprisoned students, the students from whom medical cards were withdrawn——
The incident of Deputy Fahey has been dealt with. If Deputy Gene Fitzgerald thinks that the Chair acted in any unreasonable way he can put down a motion about it.
The incident regarding Deputy Fahey is not what I am referring to. While that incident was taking place you, Sir, said that Deputy Fahey was taking advice that he should not resume his seat. Could I ask you, Sir, please, in the interests of fair play in the House to substantiate that statement?
The Chair has eyes.
The Chair denies?
The Chair has eyes and sees what is going on.
With eyes you do not hear, Sir. The Chair should substantiate that statement.
I am moving to Item No. 2. When is it proposed to take the Second Stage?