On a point of order, we had some discussion earlier about the arbitrary ruling out of order by the Ceann Comhairle of a Private Members' motion put down by this party for next week. I understood the outcome of that discussion was that the Ceann Comhairle would let us know the position by 4.30 p.m. Can you tell me, Sir, if it is the intention that the Ceann Comhairle will resume the Chair at 4.30 p.m. and give us a decision?
Business of Dáil.
I have no knowledge of the situation. I believe there is an Adjournment debate at 5 p.m. and in the normal course the Ceann Comhairle would come back at 5 p.m. I have no information as to what decision has been taken in the matter referred to by the Deputy. I was not in the House and I am not in a position to make a ruling as the Ceann Comhairle has already made a ruling. I must stand by that.
We can only look to the Chair, we cannot look to two different individuals. If the Chair says he will give us a decision by 4.30 p.m. we are entitled to ask you for a decision at 4.30 p.m. You are the Chair at 4.30 p.m.
I was not in the Chair when the decision was made at 3.30 p.m.
You are in the Chair now, Sir. It is the Chair that counts.
The Ceann Comhairle made the decision, not the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. We must abide by his decision. I have no knowledge whether the Ceann Comhairle is to come in at 4.30 p.m.
I want to insist that the Ceann Comhairle keeps to his undertaking to the House to come here at 4.30 p.m. and tell us his decision.
I was not in the Chair and I have no knowledge of what commitment the Ceann Comhairle made. For that reason I am not in a position to make any decision myself.
I am not asking you to make a decision but I am asking you to give me information. Is the Ceann Comhairle coming in here at 4.30 p.m. or is he not? You have advisers who seem to be constantly proffering advice to the Chair.
Neither Mr. Doyle nor myself was here at 3.30 p.m.
That is not my fault. In this House we can only deal with the Chair, not with an individual.
I will make inquiries in the Ceann Comhairle's office regarding the matter.
On that basis I am prepared to wait until 4.35 p.m. but not a moment longer.