Subject to the agreement of the House, it is proposed that the Minister of the Environment be called upon not later that 3.35 p.m. today to reply to the debate on the Second Stage.
Local Government Bill, 1991: Allocation of Time.
That is not agreed.
I am putting the question, "That the Minister for the Environment be called on not later than 3.35 p.m. today to conclude the debate on Second Stage." I think the question is carried.
Vótáil.
Will the Members who are claiming a division please rise?
Deputies Rabbitte, McCartan, Byrne, Sherlock, Gilmore and Mac Giolla rose.
As fewer than ten Members have risen in their places I declare the question carried. The names of the Deputies who claimed a division will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Dáil. The Minister for the Environment to conclude the debate.
(Interruptions.)
On a point of order, I was the next speaker to be called. We have now lost 40 minutes by this unnecessary action. Will the 40 minutes be added to the time allowed for the debate?
No. The Minister for the Environment——
Would my query not require an answer?
The House has decided this matter.
That man will not answer me even though he took part of my constituency away from me.
On a point of order, on a pure technicality, I observe that the House cannot give effect to the order that has been made because the Minister cannot be called upon to speak at 3.35 p.m. As the Deputy who was in possession at the time of this incident, I should at least be allowed the normal courtesy of the House to give way to the Minister and to tell him that I was about to give my views about local authority financing, some of which the Minister would agree with. I now will have to reserve that pleasure for another day.
I appreciate the Deputy's position in respect of the manner in which he was interrupted.
Is there an answer for my dilemma?