On a point of order, may I ask if the ordinary rules of order of the House have been superseded to-day in respect of divisions? I refer to the second last division. Within 30 seconds of the bell ceasing, we were excluded from the House. In my rather long membership of the House it has been the established practice that a minimum of three minutes is allowed after the ringing of the bell for Deputies to enter the House. I can produce at least three Fianna Fáil Deputies and four other Deputies who were excluded from the House on the ceasing of the bell for the second last division. I want to know if that was done on your express instructions, Sir?
Business of Dáil.
No, I was not aware of it, and the matter will be inquired into. I regret that it should have happened.
I assure you that is so.
I was not aware of it. I am sure there was no deliberate intent.
Arising out of your ruling in connection with the matter submitted for your consideration by Deputy Larkin, I take it that your ruling was that the issue was not one of public importance, and that your refusal to permit Deputy Larkin to raise it was based on the contention that it was not a matter of urgency or of sufficient urgency to be raised here. I take it that there is nothing in your ruling to prevent the issue which was raised by Deputy Larkin being raised as a motion for the adjournment of the House, or for the adjournment at the end of the session.
At the end of the session.
I take it that the House will go into recess to-morrow until the 24th January.
If the business is concluded.
I take it that that is the usual occasion for providing an opportunity for an Adjournment debate, and that your ruling on the issue raised by Deputy Larkin will not prevent the issue adverted to by him being raised on the motion for the Adjournment.
The matter set out in the written notice would be in order, but the expansion by Deputy Larkin was much wider when he spoke. Neither judicial decisions nor the President's prerogative may be raised on the Adjournment. The question of the alleged action of the Guards and of the Minister responsible for Censorship may be raised.
They may be raised on the motion for the Adjournment to-morrow or to-night, if we adjourn to-night.
Yes.
I take it that the Chair is allowing that matter to be raised to-night. What is the ruling? Is the Chair allowing it to be raised on the Adjournment at 9 to-night?
Yes. No Deputy raised it until Deputy Norton did so now.
I take it that the Government will take time for a discussion on the Adjournment.
On the Adjournment to-day or to-morrow.
I take it that the matter adverted to by Deputy Larkin may be raised on the Adjournment.
Yes, the two points I have mentioned.
To-night, if we adjourn to-night.
And that reasonable time will be given for discussion.
That is another matter, not for decision by me. Other Parties may desire to discuss other questions.
In accordance with the usual practice.