asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that, when a vacancy or vacancies exist on a bus to a primary school, accommodation is given to fare paying children on a first come, first served basis: and if he is prepared to substitute distance as the criterion used.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
434.
I am aware that the present system for allocating fare-paying facilities is one based on the first-come, first-served principle. I am having the system reappraised.
Would it be appropriate to mention at this stage that I intend to raise on the Adjournment the question of the possible closure of certain schools?
Yes, I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the closure of the Erin Foods factory at Tuam, Co. Galway, which is referred to in Question No. 134 on today's Order Paper.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
A Cheann Comhairle, I raised with you a private notice question which has been ruled out of order. I have to accept your ruling, but I submit to the House that the precedents which preclude, on the grounds of repetition, my raising with the Taoiseach the new situation that arose in the telecommunications dispute in the last few days which now threatens the complete breakdown of these services, are antiquated and absurd and damaging to this House as a democratic institution.
I should not allow the Deputy to make a speech. I had to rule the question out on the grounds of repetition.
Arising from the Chair's ruling, under Standing Orders, repetition refers to the raising of the same subject once more. Surely when there is a change for the worse as there is in the present dispute, this is not literally repetition, and surely it is appropriate in these circumstances that the question be raised.
That is what thought.
The Chair is not in a position to judge whether the position has changed for the worse or not. It is not my function, I am strictly guided by Standing Orders and precedent.
Would the Chair agree that it is absurd that the Parliament of the country cannot discuss the possible complete closedown of communications?
Put down a motion.
Order, please. It was discussed here at length a fortnight ago.
Is it not a fact that the only person who has any authority to intervene in this kind of dispute is the Minister for Finance under the conciliation and arbitration schemes of the Department?
I cannot allow discussion now.