I have received a report from the Leas-Cheann Comhairle concerning disorder. I move: "That Deputy Shortall be suspended from the service of the Dáil. Is this motion opposed?
Suspension of Member.
Yes.
Question put.
Deputies
Vótáil.
Under Standing Order 61 the division claimed is postponed until before the Order of Business tomorrow and the Deputy is suspended and must withdraw from the Chamber. She may, however, vote in that division. We must proceed with the business of the day. I call No. 7 and I understand Deputy Rabbitte will introduce it.
On the Order of Business, a Cheann Comhairle—
The Order of Business is concluded.
I had been called to speak.
I called No. 7 and I call Deputy Rabbitte to introduce that Bill.
On a point of order, I was called by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to ask a question on the Order of Business.
I understand there was disorder and the Order of Business is now concluded.
May I ask a question? What the Leas-Cheann Comhairle deemed to be disorder occurred, and arising from that I was not reached, but I had been called by him.
If the Deputy has a brief question that is strictly in order, I will allow it, but Deputy Shortall must leave before Deputy Stagg asks his question. The House cannot proceed with any business until Deputy Shortall leaves the Chamber.
What will the Chair do – suspend her? The vote has been called. It is obvious the majority in the House would defeat that question.
Under Standing Orders Deputy Shortall must leave the House.
The Deputies opposite signed up to the Standing Orders.
The Chair must implement Standing Orders. I do not have any choice in this matter. I cannot allow Deputy Stagg to proceed until Deputy Shortall leaves the House. I suspend the House for a further ten minutes.
Sitting suspended at 5.03 p.m. and resumed at 5.10 p.m.
As Deputy Shortall has refused to leave the House, I suspend the sitting. The Dáil stands adjourned until tomorrow.
The Dáil adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 24 March 1999.