It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 11, 12 and 13 (resumed). Private Members' Business, No. 39, by agreement, will be taken between 7.00 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
I request leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, namely, a statement of policy on behalf of the Government, made by the Minister for Finance at the certified accountants' dinner on Saturday last proposing to abolish or seriously restrict children's allowances, free school transport, disability benefit and rates relief for small farmers.
I have received the notice under Standing Order No. 30 to which the Deputy refers. I do not consider that the motion is one contemplated by the Standing Order. I am not satisfied that it is a motion requiring urgent consideration.
A Cheann Comhairle, may I——
No argument, Deputy.
I wish only to question the technical decision in relation to this proposed matter. Did the Ceann Comhairle take into consideration the fact that the Taoiseach must necessarily welcome an opporttunity to make a statement to allay the fears not merely of those who will be directly affected by what was proposed but also of those who are bewildered by the continued deterioration of Government leadership, lack of collective responsibility and——
The Deputy may not circumvent the ruling of the Chair.
——lack of any co-ordination of Government effort——
Order.
——and the fact that the Tánaiste rushed to issue a statement contradicting——
I have ruled on this matter, Deputy. It may not be debated now.
(Interruptions.)
In the light of the Tánaiste's response, is it right to form the conclusion——
This is not in order.
(Interruptions.)
A Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with Deputy Brennan.