Before coming to the Order of Business proper I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy John Bruton.
Private Business. - Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I am seeking the Chair's permission for the suspension of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 to debate the confusing and misleading nature of statements by the Ministers for Finance and Foreign Affairs after their devaluation of the pound. These concern the alleged lack of European assistance for the Irish pound within the ERM.
These statements conflict with the recent statement by Dr. Hans Tictmeyer of the German Bundesbank, which was subsequently confirmed by the Irish Department of Finance on Sunday, that the Bundesbank had given all the assistance requested by Ireland in this context. Dr. Tictmeyer's statement was made after the conclusion of the recent Dáil debate on currency policy. It has created the impression that the Minister either failed to make any request at all or, if he did make it, made it in an imcompetent and misdirected way. Consistency, clarity and credibility in international statements by Irish Ministers is essential to belief in Irish currency policy. In the light of continuing turbulence on currency markets the matter is urgent and important and, in accordance with the Standing Order, a debate would be appropriate.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the Standing Order and, accordingly, I cannot grant leave to move the motion. I have conveyed my decision, Deputy.
I appreciate that Sir. I would have thought that the Order was specifically designed for motions of this kind. Could you explain how you came to the conclusion that it is not appropriate?
I am not obliged to give any explanation in the matter.
I am not asking you to oblige; I am asking if you would give an explanation.
The matter has been ongoing, as the Deputy knows, and it is not likely to develop significantly before this House would have an opportunity to discuss it again.
Maybe the Minister for Finance would give an explanation.