Requests to Raise Matters of Urgent Public Importance.

Mr. McQuillan

I gave notice to you today, Sir, that I proposed to raise, under Standing Order 26, a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the decision by the Department of Local Government to refrain from paying housing grants to farmers who have not yet paid the second moiety of the rates, and the directive issued also by the Department of Local Government to local authorities to do likewise in regard to supplementary and other grants.

An Cathaoirleach

I have received from the Senator a written statement of the subject which he wishes to have discussed. I have carefully considered it but must rule in accordance with precedent that the motion is not one contemplated by the Standing Order. Therefore the motion cannot be taken.

Mr. McQuillan

I do not intend to dispute your ruling, but, since that, a matter of even more urgency has come to my notice, and I am sorry at this stage that I had not an opportunity of giving this second one to you.

An Cathaoirleach

The Chair has not received notice of the second one.

Mr. McQuillan

I intend to make it available to you under Standing Order 26. This matter to which I refer you is, in my opinion, of grave and immediate urgency, namely,

The present campaign by the Department of Justice to recruit county council employees as part-time agents or "B" Specials against their friends and neighbours in the rural areas in the event of a further demonstration by the farming community.

I might say, for the benefit of Senators who do not realise what has happened, that members of the Garda Síochána——

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator may not——

Mr. McQuillan

I do not intend to make a speech on it. I would just like to tell the House that members of the Garda Síochána have approached every county council driver and asked them to co-operate by removing all tractors and bulldozers——