I understand that it is agreed that the House will hear a statement from the Taoiseach now. The Leader of Fine Gael and the Leader of the Labour Party will be called subsequently and the House will then adjourn until Thursday next at 10.30 a.m.
Business of Dáil.
On a point of order, do I understand that as representing Aontacht Éireann here my right to speak will not be recognised by the Chair? Further, could I ask from you if it is proposed on Thursday to discuss the situation in the North or is it proposed virtually to ignore that situation and continue the business of the Dáil?
On the question put by the Deputy, if he can be called now to speak on behalf of his party, the position is that the Chair does not recognise that he represents a party for this purpose since only those elected as a party at a General Election can be recognised by the Chair. So far as the business on Thursday is concerned that is a matter for the Government.
Further, on the matter of business on Thursday, what opportunity will we have in the House before it adjourns this afternoon—I am not in any way trying to prevent the adjournment, in fact I am in full agreement with it—to consider whether in fact this very important matter will be taken on Thursday as I requested a fortnight ago that it should be?
As I pointed out, it is a matter for the Government to order the business. It is not a matter for the Chair.
As a matter of information, while I appreciate that it is a matter for the Government to order business, I made a request a fortnight ago, on the first day we met in this session, for time to discuss the situation in the Six Counties. Since then, unfortunately, circumstances have altered very considerably and makes even more urgent now that there should be such a discussion. All I am asking from the Chair as guidance is whether there will be any opportunity before we adjourn this evening, as we rightfully should adjourn, to discuss what the business will be on Thursday, because this matter is urgent and is not one that we can put on the long finger.
After the three statements have been made I will adjourn the House, as agreed by the House, until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday morning. There can be no further discussion.