Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 3

Private Business. - Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.

Mr. Dukes

Last evening I wrote to you to give you notice of my intention to move the Adjournment of the Dáil this morning, under the provisions of Standing Order 30, to discuss a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration. The matter is as follows. On 25 April last, that is Wednesday of last week, the Tánaiste stated in this House that Ireland's application for an extension of the disadvantaged areas had been lodged in Brussels. I have since learned that that is not the case and I conclude, therefore, that the Tánaiste misled the House on that occasion.

An examination of the record of the House shows that the Tánaiste made what we might call a gradually increasing level of commitment to something that was absolutely untrue. When first asked by my colleague, Deputy Sheehan, if the Cabinet had cleared Ireland's application for an extension of the disadvantaged areas, the Tánaiste replied at column 2357, volume 397 of the Official Report of Wednesday, 25 April: "That is very much there at the moment". One wonders what that meant.

Mr. Noonan (Limerick East)

A Lenihanism.

Mr. Dukes

He went on to say——

An Ceann Comhairle

There is no need for elaboration now.

Mr. Dukes

I believe I should illustrate to the House the nub of the matter. The Tánaiste went on to state: "We have taken all the recommendations made by Deputy Sheehan into account." The Tánaiste was further asked by Deputy Sheehan "Has the Cabinet cleared the application to Europe, yes or no?", to which the Tánaiste replied: "Yes". My colleague, Deputy Noonan (Limerick East), the real Michael Noonan, asked: “Has it gone to Brussels?”, to which the Tánaiste replied: “I thought that was implicit in what I said.” Deputy Sheehan then asked: “Is it in Brussels at the moment?”, to which the Tánaiste replied:

It is there. We have made a representation to the European Community. It is now lodged in Brussels and involves a substantial enlargement of the disadvantaged areas. I hope that Deputy Sheehan and other Deputies from such areas in this country will be suitably accommodated.

An Ceann Comhairle

I think the Deputy has made his point. That ought to be sufficient, Deputy Dukes.

Mr. N. Treacy

Very generous.

Mr. Dukes

My understanding of the position, Sir, is that the application has not been sent to Brussels. I further understand that the matter is to be considered by the Cabinet today with a view to sending it to Brussels.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have allowed the Deputy the fullest latitude to explain his position. I must now reply to him.

Mr. Dukes

I would like to communicate——

An Ceann Comhairle

I have given Deputy Dukes quite a lot of latitude.

Mr. Dukes

I conclude Sir——

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Shatter

It is certainly not a presidential response.

Mr. Dukes

——that on Wednesday of last week the Tánaiste misled the House. I believe that in accordance with the standards and traditions of this House the Tánaiste should today bare his breast, acknowledge the fact that he has misled the House and withdraw the comments he made on Wednesday of last week.

An Ceann Comhairle

First, I must rule on the matter before me in repect of the motion under Standing Order 30 in the name of Deputy Dukes. Having considered the matter fully I do not consider that it is one contemplated by Standing Order 30 and I cannot, therefore, grant leave to move the motion.

Mr. Dukes

Where it has been found that a member of the Government misled this House, the House has always granted the Member the opportunity of withdrawing the remark.

The Tánaiste

I regret that I had been misinformed about the exact position when I indicated to the House on Wednesday last that the proposals had been lodged in Brussels.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Dukes

Would the Tánaiste answer now as to——

Dr. Woods

Do not be so petty

Mr. Dukes

——whether he misled the House.

The Taoiseach

I would like to explain that there is a question down to the Minister for Agriculture and Food today for written answer, the reply to which will fully explain the position.

Mr. Shatter

We will get the right answer today.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am calling the Order of Business.

Mr. Dukes

I appreciate the fact that there is a different question down. In plain and simple terms——

An Ceann Comhairle

I have given the Deputy and the House every opportunity of clarifying this matter. I am now calling on the Taoiseach for the Order of Business.