It is proposed to take No. 10: Votes 32, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 18, inclusive, and 44.
Order of Business.
(Limerick East): Arising out of the Government's decision to invoke the section of the Broadcasting Act which allows for special ministerial broadcasts, is it their intention to share the time available with the Leaders of the other parties who are advocating a “Yes” vote?
I have had no notice of the question and I am not sure if it is appropriate to the Order of Business. However, I will find out the position and let the Deputy know the answer directly.
If Members read the Act, they will see that it is not permissible under the section.
Will the Tánaiste indicate why the Government have taken the unprecedented step of abusing their powers by requiring the Authority to provide them with ten minutes to make their own case during the middle of a political campaign?
The voice of democracy.
Do they now intend to invoke section 31 of the Broadcasting Act——
Let us have some regard to what is proper on the Order of Business.
——to prohibit the broadcasting of the views of those campaigning for a "No" vote? Perhaps Deputies Noonan and Quinn can explain why they are prepared to sit back and allow this abuse to continue.
I will communicate the information to the Deputies concerned.
Clearly we cannot debate the matter now.
Why are the Government abusing their power and why are the other parties allowing the Government to do this? Have we no Opposition left in this House except Democratic Left?
The Deputy has put his question, he has had a reply from the Tánaiste and I can do no more in this matter. I am now calling Deputy Quinn.
The Deputy referred to abuse but the Democratic Left Party posters are abusing the truth, and are an abuse of trust.
We want to see the correct use of power.
Please desist Deputy.
Would the Tánaiste like to avail of the opportunity later today to make a statement on this Government decision as we will not be in a position to raise this matter until the Dáil resumes the week after next?
I have no apology to make for encouraging the Irish people to vote "Yes" next Thursday. We are not going down an historical blind alley. The arguments stand up. I do not think we have anything to fear from anybody who wishes to refute them however misguided their reasons are for voting "No". In the interests of democracy, the Tánaiste may wish to make a statement during the course of the day to clarify the point that this is a promotion of democracy——
I am proceeding to the business ordered.
Do Deputies Quinn and Noonan agree with this abuse of power?