Before commencing the business of the day I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Gay Mitchell. I call on the Deputy to state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil Under Standing Order 30.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 to discuss the following matter of public importance requiring urgent consideration: The personal involvement of the Minister for Justice in the movement of a Garda district headquarters from Oughterard to Salthill in Galway West, her constituency, by use of powers to direct the Garda Commissioner under section 6 (1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 1924, as the Commissioner would not otherwise agree to so do; in addition, to consider reports that the Minister for Justice personally deals with applications for all prisoners from Galway who seek temporary release, early release, compassionate release or transfer to open prison while other prisoners are dealt with in a different manner and to seek the investigation of these matters.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the relevant Standing Order. Accordingly, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
Will there be an opportunity for the House to hear a statement from the Minister on this very serious matter?
There are ways of raising the matter, Deputy.
There is growing public concern about what is happening in the Garda Síochána and——
Deputy, you may not proceed. I have ruled on the matter.
——at the demoralising effect of actions of this kind and at the Minister's interference with the prison service.
I have said there are ways and means open to the Deputy to raise this matter.
It is time we had a response from the Minister to these allegations which have come from serious sources and are serious allegations.
The Deputy used the words "serious allegations". If serious allegations are being made against a Minister or any Member of this House they can be dealt with only by way of substantive motion. Otherwise I will not consider them.
I am seeking the Adjournment of the House so that these allegations can be made in a substantive motion, enabling the Minister to reply as to whether they are accurate. If they are accurate, they constitute a gross interference with the Garda Síochána and the prison system. They are very serious, a Cheann Comhairle.
I have ruled on the matter, Deputy. I am now proceeding to the business of the House. Deputy Mitchell will resume his seat. I am now proceeding to deal with the by-election writs, items Nos. 4 and 5 on the Order Paper, in accordance with the Order of the Dáil of Thursday, 12 May 1994. I call on the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach to move the writ in respect of the Mayo West constituency.