It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16 (resumed).
Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
I proposed to ask a supplementary question to Question No. 48——
The Deputy will observe that the Chair is obliged to conform to Standing Orders.
May I ask the question tomorrow?
The Deputy will find another opportunity of raising the matter. Order of Business.
It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16 (resumed).
I submitted a question concerning the wrongful imprisonment of an Irish citizen. Why has the Chair decided that such a question does not warrant the attention of this House? The gentleman in question has a fundamental right——
That matter may not be discussed. The Chair has communicated with the Deputy. I am not prepared to entertain questioning of my ruling in this fashion. To do so is disorderly.
Am I to take it that the wrongful imprisonment of a citizen does not warrant the attention of this House?
The Chair has consistently held that its rulings are not open for discussion in this manner.
(Interruptions.)
Ní theastaíonn uaim achrann a bheith anseo ach measaim——
You must resume your seat, Deputy. You may not question my ruling in this matter.
An bhfuil sé faerálta duine a chur i bpríosún sa tír seo nach bhfuil ag iarraidh ach an Ghaeilge d'úsáid?
Tá an freagra agat.
(Interruptions.)
Order. The Deputy must resume his seat. I have called the Order of Business. The Deputy knows he is being grossly disorderly by raising this matter.
I am not disorderly.
The Deputy knows he is. I have called the Order of Business.
I wish to raise the subject matter of Question No. 48 on the Adjournment.
I have tried consistently to have the Tánaiste read the Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
This is scandalous behaviour.
My behaviour is not scandalous.
I have tried consistently to have the Tánaiste heard while reading the Order of Business. Deputies have frustrated me on every occasion.
I am disappointed that the Chair should think it scandalous to ask a question on a point of information.
The Tánaiste should be allowed to announce the Order of Business. I will hear questions after that.
For the third time, it is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16 (resumed).
On a point of information: in reply to Deputy Callanan the Chair stated that he could raise this matter on the Adjournment and that the Chair would consider——
I did not. I said I would communicate with the Deputy.
I will put it more accurately: the Deputy asked for permission to raise it on the Adjournment and you stated that you would communicate with him. Am I to understand that in fact this could be considered on the Adjournment tonight even though it was not on today's Order Paper? Can you decide to have it or will your ruling have to be against it?
I will have to look into the matter.
But there is a possibility that it can be discussed?
I said I would consider the matter. I will communicate with the Deputy.
If there is a possibility that it will be considered——
I cannot say until I examine the matter. The Chair is not giving a decision now.
But the Chair stated that there was a possibility——
The Deputy will not put words into my mouth.
There should be a public apology from the Government——
(Interruptions.)
When we concluded questions on your instructions at 4 p.m. we had had only 55 minutes of Question Time because Question Time began at 3.05 p.m. Several Deputies expressed their dissatisfaction because they had not sufficient time to discuss the question fully before the House at that time. What is your ruling on that, Sir? We wish to pursue this matter further. How should we proceed?
It is not usual for the Chair to give advice in this fashion. The Deputy has an alternative.
We were deprived of the right. We are entitled to an hour for question and we did not get it.
I wish to raise the subject matter of Question No. 48 on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Deputy Molloy and I understand that an opportunity might be given to——
That matter may not be adverted to. I would ask Deputy Tunney to desist from referring to a matter which I have ruled out of order.
(Interruptions.)
Could we have an assurance, a Cheann Comhairle, that no private citizen will be imprisoned——
I can give no such assurance. Item No. 5.
Could we have an assurance that no other citizen will be imprisoned until this matter has been resolved?