asked the Minister for Justice if in view of current events he would state the Government's attitude on the payment of ransom in kidnapping cases.
Private Notice Question. - Payment of Ransom in Kidnapping Cases.
Limerick East): I need hardly say that the Government appreciate very fully the extraordinary pressures which a kidnapping places on many people, especially the family, friends and associates of the kidnapped person, as well as the inhumanity of the action in relation to the victim himself; but the Government's attitude must be one of total opposition to the payment of ransom, and for at least two reasons. First, the payment of ransom would be likely to encourage others to resort to the same tactic. Second, the level of money usually sought by way of ransom is such that the Government could not acquiesce in the idea of its falling into the hands of paramilitary or other subversive groups. The probable cost in terms of human life and human suffering does not need to be spelled out.
This morning, Sir, I sought your permission to raise a Private Notice Question but you ruled it out of order because you said it was No. 28 on the Order Paper. In view of the fact that Christmas may well be past by the time we reach No. 28, I ask you if it is in order to ask the Minister for Social Welfare why the Christmas double payment will not include the dependant's allowance for short-term benefits similar to last year?
I am sorry, Deputy, but I cannot allow questions without notice. The question was ruled out because it is on the Order Paper. Normally one would have expected that we would be into Social Welfare questions today but we got only ten questions done on Health.
I understand that was the reason why my question was ruled out of order. In view of the fact that we did not reach that question and that it is a matter of urgent public importance, because the money will be paid on 9 December, and it is important that there should be an allowance for dependants similar to last year——
I am sorry, Deputy, we cannot discuss that now.
As a matter of urgency——
Is it a point of order?
It is in relation to the refusal of this question.
I am sorry we cannot discuss that. I have not the file with me.
It is fair enough to say that next week you may take the questions that are there, but in the meantime the Minister puts regulations before the House which forestall the questions there for next week.
Deputy Woods is out of order.
It is particularly important in view of what the Government are doing to the unemployed.
Deputy Woods will resume his seat.
This is a very important matter.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Woods will leave the House.
I will leave the House under protest in the interest of focusing attention on this matter. It is scandalous that the Chair would protect the Government in this way.
Deputy Woods will withdraw that remark at once.
I will withdraw that remark, but I am deeply disappointed that the Government see fit to treat those people in this way.
Deputy Woods is out of order.
It is the same as last year.
Since the Minister has spoken now without your permission, surely it would be in order for him to speak for a minute or two.
I am calling the next item. Deputy Fitzgerald will resume his seat.