On a point of order, I had a communication this morning from your office that you disallowed my priority question for tomorrow, dealing with the terms of reference of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, on the grounds that it is not a matter for the Minister but for the Dáil. I seek your guidance. The previous Taoiseach frequently replied on this matter, as did several incumbents of the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers.
Deputy Higgins will appreciate that I have communicated my decision to him and that it is not open to challenge in this fashion now. I suggest that if he wants any clarification he might consult my office and I will be very pleased to ensure that he is given the fullest information concerning the matter.
I am grateful for the opportunity to consult your office and I shall certainly do so, but you disallowed another question relating——
This is not in order.
It related to the political implications of the Protocol of the Maastricht Treaty.
It is not in order to raise these matters in the House. Regretfully, the Chair has to disallow large numbers of questions. I prefer to approve of questions rather than disapprove. My rulings may not be challenged in his fashion in the House. It is not in order.
Can I go to your office later to discuss this?
Certainly.