Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 31 from Deputy Sargent.
Request to move Adjournment of Dail under Standing Order 31.
I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to have the questions raised by the mysterious donations to persons in public life, including the former Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, answered so that the law can take its course and legislation on ethics in Government and the financial affairs and funding of candidates, politicians and parties can be fully reappraised and radically amended, thus allowing this House to revert to important legislative matters sidelined by controversies of this type.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the relevant Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
Since it is my understanding that the intention is to debate this matter would it be possible to facilitate me and other Independent Members, whom it was not possible to facilitate in similar circumstances in the past?
While sharing the Deputy's anxiety in the matter, the Chair always has been conscious of his obligation to safeguard the rights of minority Members in this House. Unfortunately, today's debate is governed by strict time limits. Nevertheless I hope some sharing of time can be arranged with the Whips in the course of the debate to facilitate the Deputy and his Independent colleagues.