Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Mary Harney. I now call on Deputy Harney to state the matter of which she has given notice to me.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I request leave to adjourn the Dáil under Standing Order 30 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, namely, the extensive disclosure of details of the 1995 budget at 12.15 p.m. yesterday by a member of the Cabinet sub-committee on the budget, almost four hours before the official release of that information, and bearing in mind the warning of the Ceann Comhairle against any breaches of budgetary Protocol.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the Standing Order, therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion. In this instance I should inform the Deputy and the House that I have received a notice from the Minister of State, Deputy Phil Hogan, that he wishes to give an explanation on the matter. I would, therefore, ask Deputies to await the Minister's explanation.
On a point of order, I thank the Taoiseach for a letter informing me of that but it did not say — this is where I seek clarification — if members of the Opposition would be allowed to put questions to the Minister of State?
No, it is not normal practice. A personal explanation of this type should not give rise to question or debate.
I was not aware that a personal statement was to be made. The Taoiseach did not communicate with me but he should facilitate questions. When a matter arose some time ago the Minister of State now involved was very keen to have questions and not just statements. We should provide for questions because it is a very serious matter. The Minister of State is one of four members of the Cabinet sub-committee on the budget. It is not satisfactory merely to have a statement.
The House will have ample time to deliberate on this matter.
I had no problem facilitating the Deputy; I took any amount of questions.
You had the privilege of seeing this personal statement. I hope it will deal with the issue that I have been informed of: that the budget was also given to the Fine Gael press and information office well in advance of the speech by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Quinn, for the purpose of having leaflets printed.
I have not seen the statement as yet, Deputies. I would again submit to you in strict equity and justice that we leave the matter until we hear the Minister's explanation.
On a point of order——
Deputy, you heard me addressing the House. It is quite disorderly to intervene when the Chair is addressing the House.
Is it a matter of the flood relief?
I am again asking in strict equity and justice that we await the Minister's explanation before pursuing this matter further. On a point of order, Deputy.
You will recall the last time a somewhat similar matter arose I did not seek to hide behind an explanation to the Dáil. I took a Special Notice Question and any amount of questions and answers. If the Minister of State has nothing to hide, as I had nothing to hide, perhaps he will take that course of action.
I am now asking that we await the explanation which I have not seen yet. It requires my approval. I will communicate with Members as quickly as possible as to the precise time the statement by the Minister shall be made to the House.
On a point of information will you also consider, when examining this explanation, the possibility of conceding to the House questions and answers after the explanation has been given? Will you consider that in your deliberations?
I will be dealing with the request in strict accord with the procedures of this House and its Standing Orders.
Could you gently outline the procedure?
The Chair does not have to do that Deputy.
I would like to know exactly how you will deliberate on this explanation.
That is my function, Deputy.
I am not suggesting it is not your function but I would like to know if you will examine the explanation and your conclusions?
The Deputy can safely leave that matter in my hands. I am proceeding now to the Order of Business.
Will the Taoiseach give the House an assurance during the day that the entire budget was not revealed to the Fine Gael Press and Information Office for the purpose of having leaflets printed well in advance of the Budget Statements?