Before we take up the Orders of the Day I would like to make clear to Deputies a matter of which an example arose yesterday afternoon. A Deputy made a statement which was deemed by the Chair to be improper, and he was asked to withdraw, and he withdrew. I wish in no way to reflect upon the incident, but it was mentioned by the Deputy that he would take the opportunity of proving his statement at a later date. In the Press this morning it appears that my ruling was that a Deputy could not make a statement that other Deputies were engaged in lawless actions unless he was prepared to prove it. These were not my words. When a Deputy makes use of a statement reflecting upon the character or personal honour of another Deputy and is called to order by the Chair, the statement must be withdrawn. It is no defence to say that the statement can be proved, because it is not the business of the Dáil, nor can it be the business of any Legislative Assembly, to engage upon an examination of such allegations. It would be impossible for the Dáil to undertake the functions of a court of law, and therefore I would like Deputies to be quite clear in their minds on that matter. A statement reflecting upon another Deputy must be withdrawn, and proof cannot be offered.
I would like to make it clear that I am in no way reflecting upon the incident of yesterday evening, because the Deputy who was asked to withdraw did so at once. I have no fault to find with his particular action, but, as a certain misconception has crept into the newspapers and as Deputies themselves may be under a misconception in the matter, I think it should be made clear for the proper conduct of our business.
