A Cheann Comhairle, I had given you notice of my intention to request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention. The matter in question is the uncertainty now existing in the public mind about the Government's approach to Northern Ireland problems in general and the Anglo-Irish Agreement in particular following the Taoiseach's reported statements in the US last week.
Request Under Standing Order 30.
Having considered the matter fully, Deputy Dukes, I do not consider it is one contemplated by Standing Order 30. I cannot, therefore, grant leave to move the motion.
In view of the fact that we have had an unsatisfactory discussion at Question Time and that you have ruled out of order a series of Private Notice Questions and in view of your ruling now, Sir, I have no other course to follow than to seek your leave to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with Deputy Dukes in respect of that matter.
I put down notice of a question to ask the Taoiseach about a meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference being held this week and you, Sir, ruled it out of order on the basis that it was not a matter of urgency. I cannot see what other opportunity I have of raising this while the meeting is taking place this week. The ordinary three days' notice for questions rules it out until next week.
I am sorry, Deputy Barry, I have nothing to add to my answer to you on that request.
That must be urgency.
Exactly. It is a matter of urgency when the conference is meeting this week.
I have given due consideration to that aspect of the matter.
I do not wish to question you, but would you mind explaining to me how I can raise it this week?
The Deputy has other ways and means of raising this matter.
With due respect, I have not. If I put down a question it will not be answered until next week.
If the Deputy consults with my office we will assist him as best we can.
I want to raise a matter on the Order of Business.
We have not had the Order of Business yet.