I have received a report from the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I move: "That Deputy Connaughton be suspended from the service of the House". Is this motion opposed?
Suspension of Member.
On a point of order——
The Chair is putting a question, so there cannot be a point of order.
Deputy Connaughton has left the House.
The Deputy committed an offence in the House.
He is no longer in the House.
Is the motion opposed?
Yes.
Question put.
Deputies
Vótáil.
Under Standing Order 61 the division claimed will be postponed until before the Order of Business tomorrow. The Deputy stands suspended and must withdraw from the Chamber.
On a point of order, I ask the Chair's permission to address this matter. The Deputy in question left the House before the Ceann Comhairle arrived. Is there any precedent for naming a Deputy who is no longer in the House? I do not believe such a precedent exists.
I have already put the question and there will be a vote on the matter tomorrow morning. The Deputy refused to leave the House when ordered to do so.
The Deputy was addressing an issue of major importance to starving families in rural areas.
Is it in order to ask if, between now and tomorrow morning, research can be carried out into the precedents governing the Chair's action?
The matter has been decided and we will proceed with the business of the House.
Before the Chair proceeds I wish to point out that Deputy Connaughton was not named by a Member of the Government.
Obviously the Deputy is not familiar with the rules of the House.
The Deputy must be named.
I suggest that the Deputy consult Standing Orders.