When in your office, a Cheann Comhairle, I put down details of a Private Notice Question arising out of the situation that has developed in the Dublin Dental Hospital where, because of the withdrawal of services by a considerable number of staff in the hospital, a very serious situation has arisen from the point of view of public health. The Chair deemed that it was not a question of sufficient urgency to merit putting it down as a Private Notice Question. Will the Chair give me guidance as to how I may raise this matter and what occasion will be available to me to do so in view of its serious implications from the point of view of public health and the unsatisfactory situation which obtains in this hospital as a result of the incompetence of the Minister for Health?
Business of Dáil.
If the Deputy consults myself or my office I will assist him further in the matter.
On Thursday last I sought to raise the matter of Question No. 4 on the adjournment. I repeat the request now, Sir.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
On Thursday last I had a difference with the Chair in relation to Question No. 1 on the Order Paper. In view of the fact that the Minister gave a completely misleading answer to the question and misled the House, may this matter be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to have the Minister's answer to the question fully examined?
Is the Deputy intimating that he wishes to raise the matter on the adjournment?
No, I do not wish to raise it on the adjournment——
That is not a matter for the Chair.
——but the House has been misled by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Can it be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
That is not immediately a matter for the Chair, but if the Deputy wishes to pursue along those lines he may do so.
A Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Dowling has drawn attention to the fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs in a reply to him on Thursday last gave information which was not in accordance with the facts. He is in a similar way to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs last Thursday. He is asking you if you can refer this to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to have the matter investigated and the Minister for Foreign Affairs dealt with.
I will consider the matter.
I want to raise on the adjournment the question of the explosion in Castleblayney on Sunday last and of inadequate policing of Border towns.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Collins in respect of that.