May I raise a matter of order? I do not know what the record will establish but it is my understanding that in relation to Questions Nos. 6 and 7 the Chair refused to accept supplementary questions from two of the Deputies whose names were associated with these questions. It may have been as a result of a misunderstanding but in case it should appear as a precedent I would urge that the Chair should always accept supplementary questions from a Deputy who has tabled a question.
Business of Dáil.
I allowed supplementary questions to the questions referred to by the Deputy and I disallowed others for the reason that this subject has been debated for four weeks——
And a day.
——on the Estimate for the Department of Local Government.
That may be; that may remove it from being a precedent, but I am saying that a Deputy who tables a question should be seen by the Chair if he desires to ask a supplementary.
The Deputy must appreciate that it is a matter for the Chair——
I appreciate that.
——how many supplementaries are allowed and who should ask them.
In relation to Question No. 6 the Chair allowed a supplementary question by a Deputy not associated with the question and at the same time disallowed Deputy Hugh Byrne, whose name was associated with the question and who desired to ask a supplementary question.
It is a matter for the Chair how many supplementaries may be allowed. It has always been the precedent——
Operated in accordance with the good sense of this House. There are many conventions——
Operated according to precedents established in the House.
There are many conventions that have grown up in this House which are not written into the rules. One of the conventions is that a Deputy who tables a question is entitled to ask a supplementary question.
With respect, that has been the understanding.
There can be no arguing with the Chair.
No, but the Chair will hear me on a point of order.
I have heard the Deputy on that point and I have replied to it.
The Chair usually does not reply until the point of order is concluded.
I have already replied to it.
Not until I have finished with my point of order. I want to submit that it has always been the convention and etiquette in this House that a Deputy raising a question is entitled to ask a supplementary.
It is still a matter for the Chair how many supplementaries are allowed.
It is not a matter for the Chair to break the tradition of this House.
I am not breaking any regulations of this House.
I want to indicate that if this arises again we will take a very serious view.
The Deputy has indicated that.