It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4 and 3.
Order of Business.
(Cavan-Monaghan): May I mention a matter which I think is of importance? On 30 November last, following a ruling by the Chair that a Deputy was disorderly, and on that Deputy refusing to resume his seat or to leave the House, the matter was dealt with by adjourning the House for 35 minutes. Yesterday, for a much lesser offence, Deputy Enright was named quickly and suspended. I respectfully suggest that this represents a very different ruling and that it smacks of discrimination. I think it should be on the record of the House and I suggest that it calls for an explanation.
The Deputy might be named if he is not careful.
I do not think that decisions of the Chair at any time require explanation. When a Deputy defies the Chair's ruling, I have no option but to deal with him appropriately.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I was simply drawing a distinction between the two rulings, which I think are contradictory and need an explanation.
The Chair will conduct the business of the House in the manner it thinks best suited to the case.
(Cavan-Monaghan): All I will say is that it is a very interesting ruling.