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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 7

Adjournment Debate Matters.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given to me under Standing Order 20 and the name of the Member in each case.

The Taoiseach was told by his own Minister for Justice that the balance of probability—his words——

Deputy Leonard—the need for grant assistance to provide water and sewerage facilities in dwellings which do not have the facilities for same.

A Cheann Comhairle, how can you proceed at a time like this?

We are talking about an Irish citizen. Surely we have a right to ask supplementary questions at a time like this.

The Taoiseach should resign.

Deputy Joe Walsh—the need for the Minister for Education to have arrangements made for an architect to visit a school (details supplied) in County Cork so that an assessment can be made of the dangerous condition of the school and an immediate programme for necessary improvements can be put in train.

Are the Taoiseach and his Attorney General assuming responsibility for this matter?

Deputies must resume their seats.

Where is the Labour Party in all this?

The party of high standards.

A Deputy

They are under the plinth.

Deputy Batt O'Keeffe—the danger to staff in University Hospital, Cork, from radiation in the cancer treatment unit and the action the Minister for Health proposes to take in this regard.

A Cheann Comhairle, I asked a question——

Ms O'Donnell rose.

A Cheann Comhairle, Deputy O'Donnell is on her feet.

Deputy Short-all—the need to tackle illegal drug dealers by establishing a special unit involving the Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Welfare; Deputy Broughan—the need to re-examine the provision of resources——

On a point of order, a Cheann Comhairle.

——for orthodontic dental care on the north side of Dublin; Deputy Ellis—the delay in the provision of sewerage schemes——

——for the villages of Dromod, Drumsna and Jamestown, County Leitrim; An Teachta Éamon Ó Cuív—an gá atá ann go gcuirfear áiseanna breise ar fáil ag Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiarán ar an gCeathrú rua, Contae na Gaillimhe, agus freisin go ndéanfar an scoil a athchóiriú go hiomlán, lena chur in oiriúint don líon scoláirí atá ag freastal ar an scoil seo anois; Deputy Eric Byrne—the need to ensure that sentencing policy——

A Cheann Comhairle——

——is consistent in view of a recent case in which an individual convicted of stealing goods with a total value of £31 was sentenced to five years in prison.

On a point of order——

Deputy Quill —the present position in relation to the retention of history and geography as core subjects in the junior certificate curriculum.

On a point of order——

I am disappointed in the Deputy.

(Interruptions.)

I am surprised at the debasing of the traditions of the House, a Cheann Comhairle. Deputy O'Donnell is on her feet.

Deputy Lawlor —the intentions of the Government regarding the legalisation on gambling casinos and gaming facilities in view of public disquiet following a recent planning decision which included proposals for the construction of a casino and having regard to the negative social consequences as evidenced in other jurisdictions.

A Cheann Comhairle——

The Deputy is showing flagrant disrespect for the Chair. Resume your seat.

A Cheann Comhairle, I want to make a point of order.

Deputy Martin —the need for the Department of Education to have discussions with the Office of Public Works——

I have a right to make a point of order.

——to ensure that students of the National College of Art and Design can remain in the current premises at Leinster Lane——

A Cheann Comhairle, I have the right to make a point of order.

——Dublin 2, until the extension to the main campus at Thomas Street, Dublin 8, has been completed.

A Cheann Comhairle, I am a Member of the House and I have the right to raise a point of order.

Deputy Lynch —the effect on the work of FAS community employment schemes of recent changes in the eligibility criteria——

A Cheann Comhairle, will you at least throw me out?

——for such schemes with particular reference to the many arts-based schemes currently in operation——

A Cheann Comhairle, may I make a point of order?

——and the effects on the employment prospects of those working in the arts; Deputy Andrews—the serious miscarriage of justice——

I have a right to raise a point of order on the proceedings that have just taken place.

——in the case of a person (details supplied) who was convicted of a crime in Britain which he did not commit.

A Cheann Comhairle, as a Member of this House I have the right——

Deputy O'Donnell, you had better leave this House.

(Interruptions.)

You are showing flagrant disrespect to the Chair.

Pull yourself together, a Cheann Comhairle. Get your act together.

Deputy Briscoe—the disturbance and disruption caused to students by the transfer of the art education annex——

A Cheann Comhairle, I have been respectful in this debate. I have asked one supplementary question.

Deputy O'Donnell, I must now ask you, having regard to your deplorable conduct and the manner in which you have treated the Chair, to leave the House.

I will not leave the House. I want to ask a further supplementary question. I have a special interest in this matter.

You have a revolution on your hands, a Cheann Comhairle.

Deputy O'Donnell, leave the House.

(Interruptions.)

Do Deputies condone this behaviour?

Deputies

Yes.

On a point of order, Deputy O'Donnell has done nothing wrong.

Deputy O'Donnell has obstructed me in every possible way. Leave the House.

Conduct yourself, Treacy.

Resume your seat.

I am the Whip of this party and a Member of the House——

A Cheann Comhairle, may I ask Deputy O'Malley to apologise for the way in which he addressed the Chair?

I did not hear the remark.

Will Deputy O'Malley apologise for the way in which he addressed the Chair?

The Taoiseach is not the Chair.

I take the greatest exception to the manner in which the Chair has conducted itself vis-á-vis a number of Deputies, including Deputy O'Donnell, who have tried to raise legitimate matters here today.

Deputy O'Malley, when I want advice from you I will ask for it.

In 27 years in this House I have never heard the Ceann Comhairle referred to rudely by his surname by a Member of this House and I note Deputy O'Malley has not apologised.

A Deputy

It is a disgrace.

The Taoiseach should apologise for inaccurate replies.

Deputy O'Malley should have the courage to apologise.

Deputy O'Donnell, if you do not now leave the House I have no option but to name you.

I want to ask a further supplementary question.

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