I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that last night the President, on my advice, terminated the appointment as a member of the Government of Deputy Albert Reynolds. I have assigned the Department of Finance to myself for the time being.
Termination of Ministerial Appointment: Announcement by Taoiseach.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I should say, before any Member rises, that the announcement is made for the information of the House. In accordance with precedent of long standing no debate or statement may be made at this time.
In relation to the announcement the Taoiseach has just made is he in a position to indicate to the House when he will come before the House to appoint a new Minister for Finance, which matter, I assume, will be put to a vote for approval by this House? If that matter is not approved by this House will he be seeking a dissolution of the Dáil?
It is my intention to come before the House next Tuesday and seek the approval of the Dáil which I am quite certain will be forthcoming.
We are faced with an unprecedented situation here. The Taoiseach, within a matter of 12 months, has sacked both his Minister for Finance and Tánaiste.
I have announced the ruling in relation to the matter. Deputies will have to await the formal appointment which can be the subject of much debate and determination at that stage. There can be no debate or comment at this stage. A query would be in order; nothing more.
Would you hear me out, a Cheann Comhairle. I find it extraordinary but I do not propose to deal with the matter at this point. Again I will seek to meet with you and I hope that, on this occasion, you will meet me to discuss the matter.
I can assure the Deputy — and the House does not need any assurance from me — that my rulings are in strict accord with the rules of this House and the precedent of Standing Orders.
A Cheann Comhairle, you did not interrupt the previous speaker. Why do you interrupt this Member every time he stands up?
The Deputy interrupted the Chair——
May I continue——
The Deputy will not take any instruction from the Chair.
A Cheann Comhairle, if you would allow him some tolerance——
A Cheann Comhairle, I had uttered two sentences when you interrupted me. I was making the point that, in these unprecedented circumstances, in which the Taoiseach has sacked within a year both his Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. I believe this House should debate the matter today. I am proposing, under Standing Order 143, that the Standing Orders of this House be suspended or modified in effect for the day's sitting to enable that debate to take place.
I cannot allow the Deputy to move such a motion at this stage. Such a motion can be moved only by a Member in Private Members' time. As the Members of this House are aware, being Friday, it is not an ordinary sitting day and there has been no provision made for Private Members' Business to be taken today.
A Cheann Comhairle, perhaps you would write to me explaining the basis on which you have made that decision.
It is on the record of this House.
Perhaps you would inform me of the Standing Order covering your decision.
The Deputy continues to argue with the Chair.
I am not arguing with you, a Cheann Comhairle——
A Cheann Comhairle, you will not meet him. We have to ask you here if you would point out the Standing Order that applies——
I want Deputies to understand that my rulings cannot be challenged in this fashion. The Ceann Comhairle is not obliged to give reasons for his rulings in the House and I have no intention of doing so.
May I point out, Sir, that this announcement by the Taoiseach has taken place at a time of unparalleled unemployment, an escalating budget deficit; the country is in disarray, now the Government are in disarray.
I have already announced that there can be no comment.
May I ask the Taoiseach whether we can expect any further ministerial resignations today and whether provision will be made in the Dáil debates today for ministerial resignation statements?
I will follow the correct procedures in all cases.
Could the Taoiseach inform us, if other Ministers announce today that they do not intend supporting him tomorrow, whether that will mean automatic sacking? If so, will he come into the House announcing replacements?
Please, the Deputy should await the outcome of such matters when there will be an opportunity.