It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 20, 21 and 22, and Questions at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Last evening I gave you notice that I intended this morning to seek time in the House to have the following motion discussed:
"That Dáil Éireann views with deep concern the development of the situation in Northern Ireland, and in particular the alarming growth in sectarian fear, suspicion and violence, and calls on the Government to explain to the Dáil and the country immediately what steps it is taking towards the reduction of tensions and the improvement of relations between Irishmen."
I am submitting that this motion is urgent and important, and while not underestimating the importance of the EEC debate——
This is not a matter for me. The Deputy has given notice of this motion. It is a matter for the Government.
With all due respect to you as Chairman of this House, I think that if the Taoiseach refuses to give time to discuss the situation in the Six Counties, at least I might be entitled to about two minutes to tell you, Sir, and the House why I believe we should discuss this important motion. I am submitting it is of much more importance than the debate on the EEC.
This is not in order. There is no motion before the House. The Deputy is asking permission for Government time, which is a matter for the Government.
Stormont has discussed the situation; Westminster will give a special day next week to discuss the situation in the north. Surely in this sovereign Irish Parliament there should be adequate time given to discuss the terms of this motion?
We cannot discuss the merits of the motion at this stage. There is no motion before the House.
I am merely giving a reason to the House and trying to impress upon the Taoiseach the importance of the debate so that we here might present a united front in propagating a policy of peace and order on both sides.
It is not in order to discuss the matter now.
I wish to repeat what I said here two days ago, that I feel that now would not be the time to debate the situation in the North of Ireland, and even within the terms of this motion I believe it would be inopportune. I believe it would be dangerous just now and would not be helpful to responsible opinion in the North of Ireland. We are trying to bring about an atmosphere of peace so that law and order will prevail, so that lives will not be lost. By the action I have taken I believe I am serving the interests of the people of the north and particularly of the minority in the north more than those who want to be more vocal about it at this stage.
I trust the Taoiseach does not doubt my sincerity in wanting to have this motion discussed.
No, but let the Deputy not doubt my sincerity either or my right to come to the judgment to which I have come.
The Taoiseach speaks about discussing a motion such as this in relative calm. We all hope and pray the situation will not get worse, but the likelihood is that it will get worse. I believe the Taoiseach is treating this House and the public with contempt unless he allows a motion to be debated here.
I do not care what Deputy Corish attributes to me or what interpretation he puts on my attitude. I still sincerely believe that not having a debate on the situation in the Six Counties now is far more helpful to law and order, and peace, to the maintenance of life and the avoidance of suffering in the Six Counties, than if we had one.
Are we to have another debate after the 12th of July? Is that what you want?
No.
(Interruptions.)
Arising from the Order of Business, is the Taoiseach aware that while all responsible opinion is as concerned as he is to ensure that peace and order will prevail north and south of the border, a suspicion is now growing that an attempt is being made to stifle discussion on this grave national question——
We cannot have a debate on it.
——because of political difficulties which no one underestimates? In the circumstances would the Taoiseach reconsider the suggestion that has been made that in the public interest, particularly with the changed situation involved in the suggestion that was announced yesterday that a new militia force should be established——
The Deputy may not continue along those lines.
——that these grave matters must be discussed?
The Deputy must resume his seat. He is completely out of order.
I am gravely concerned——
(Interruptions.)
As Parliamentary Secretary, Deputy Andrews should learn manners.
I will not take any instructions from Deputy Cosgrave. The Deputy spent all his time in his constituency in the last general election——
The Deputy must learn manners as Parliamentary Secretary. This is a grave national question——
Deputies
Hear, hear.
A Deputy
Then do not make it a political football.
The Deputy may not debate it now.
The internal intrigues of the Fianna Fáil Party must be subordinated——
(Interruptions.)
Would Deputy Cosgrave please resume his seat? The Deputy should obey the Chair.
(Cavan): You are afraid to give Deputy Blaney and Deputy Boland a platform.
(Interruptions.)
I am entitled to comment on the statement by Deputy Cosgrave in so far as he was permitted to make it. The internal difficulties in my party had nothing whatever to do with my attitude. I want to say categorically that I have no fears from my party's point of view of a debate at this time.
Then have it.
My fears are genuine in relation to the situation in the Six Counties.
No one accepts that.
Only two days ago Deputy Cosgrave——
(Interruptions.)
Only two days ago Deputy Cosgrave himself intimated that he did not see the necessity for a debate at this stage——
But the situation is changing.
——and I am not going to allow Fine Gael or Labour to make a political yo-yo out of the situation in the Six Counties.
(Interruptions.)
Which side is the Minister for Transport and Power on?
(Cavan): What about Mr. MacEntee's letter?
I will hear no further remarks on this motion. No. 1, Tourist Traffic Bill——
In view of the fact, Sir, that the Taoiseach has refused to give the time of this House to discuss this motion I am appealing to you, by way of moving that the Dáil do now adjourn and I am asking you to accept this motion——
The Chair cannot accept such a motion.
I am offering this motion under No. 29 of Standing Orders. I think I am entitled to do that.
Standing Order No. 29 reads——
I am entitled to submit a motion that the Dáil adjourn——
The Deputy has not given notice to the Chair.
——in order to consider this matter——
The Deputy has not given notice to the Chair.
(Interruptions.)
Deputies
Chair, chair.
If the Deputy reads Standing Order No. 29 he will see that the Chair has to be given notice before the sitting commences. No. 1, Tourist Traffic Bill.