I desire, with your consent, to raise a question of privilege. On Friday night, when the Deputy Speaker was in the Chair, the Dáil was counted out on a private Motion. The Motion was one, perhaps, inconvenient to the predominant party, and it was obviously easy on a point like that on a Friday night to have a count arranged. The question I desire to ask is: Where a count is taken, is it to be confined to those Members who happen to be in the Dáil at the moment the count was asked for, or whether the practice taken in divisions is to be followed by the ringing of a bell outside on the lobby? I think I am right in saying that it is usual to follow the practice taken in divisions. The second point is, that if the Dáil is counted out on a Motion before a division or a decision has been taken, seeing that the Motion is adjourned according to the Standing Orders, when does it appear again on the papers? This particular Motion does not appear on to-day's papers?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - COUNTING THE DÁIL.
Mr. GAVAN DUFFY
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
When a count is called for, the procedure adopted for divisions should be followed. When a motion of that kind is counted out there is no Standing Order to say when, if ever, it should appear on the notice paper. I will consider that matter, and give a decision on it.
Mr. GAVAN DUFFY
I desire to point out that the Standing Order says "it is adjourned." Therefore, it is unfinished business on the orders when it comes on.
Mr. DARRELL FIGGIS
On that question of order, there may be some little rectification or clarity required, in Order No. 9, because, there, it does state "it shall be adjourned." Presumably, the business shall be adjourned until the next ordinary sitting.
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
The statement is "shall adjourn the Dail." I will consider the matter.
Mr. DARRELL FIGGIS
Is it to be accepted, as a practice, in the future, that if there is a count required, a division bell will ring?
AN CEANN COMHAIRLE
I have already ruled on that.
Mr. DARRELL FIGGIS
I just wanted to have it clear.