On a point of order, Sir, before the House proceeds to Question Time may I ask whether you consider the privileges of Members of this House are being adequately protected vis-à-vis those of the Executive in so far as on 30 March 1990 this House conferred on the Broadcasting Control Committee responsibility for managing the broadcasting of this House. I understand a decision was taken by the Taoiseach, who is not a member of that committee, that RTE would not be allowed to broadcast Question Time live today. I believe that is a serious incursion on the proper rights of the Broadcasting Control Committee, which is an instrument of this House and that the Taoiseach, who is not a member of this committee had no proper——
Business of Dáil.
This is quite unusual. The Chair commented on the matter to which Deputy Bruton refers this morning and I indicated that in my opinion it was a matter for the Broadcasting Control Committee.
May I ask Sir, if you are aware that the Broadcasting Control Committee did not meet and that the chairman has refused to convene a meeting of the committee and yet the decision was taken by the chairman, who is a member of the Government, and the Taoiseach——
These are matters outside my control.
May I respectfully suggest, Sir, that you are the guardian of this House's liberty — I think this matter comes directly within your remit.
I am very well aware of that, Deputy Bruton, and I need not be reminded of it.
May I submit that as Ceann Comhairle of this House, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Government are not allowed to arrogate to themselves functions that are proper to a committee of this House. May I suggest with the utmost respect that it is up to you to ensure that the privileges of the House are protected in this fashion.
I have indicated to the House this morning how it should proceed on this matter.
There has been no meeting of the committee and yet the decision has been taken.
I have no control over that, Deputy.
Sir——
Please, Deputy Bruton, the time has come for questions. I have allowed the Deputy some latitude in the matter——
Are orders of the House——
There is a clear decision on 30 March 1990.