I move:
That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft:
Consumer Information (Consumer Credit) (Revocation) Order, 1996,
a copy of which Order in draft was laid before Dáil Éireann on 1 May, 1996.
Consumer Information (Consumer Credit) (Revocation) Order, 1996: Motion.
Is the motion agreed?
Deputies
No.
I will put the question.
It is obvious that the Taoiseach wants more time to cover up.
The question is: "That the motion be agreed to".
On a point of order——
I am on my feet putting a question to the House and the Deputy has the audacity to put a point of order.
Sorry.
A Deputy
It is in giving that you receive, a Cheann Comhairle.
I am putting the question.
Question, "That the motion be agreed to" put and declared carried.
Given what has transpired will you, a Cheann Comhairle, consider letting Deputy O'Dea back into the House? It is clear that he was put out of the House in error.
(Interruptions.)
Members on this side of the House have endeavoured to be reasonable, my party leader has put forward a proposal that there be a debate and the Ceann Comhairle has acquiesced to that proposal.
Perhaps the Whips might consider the matter.
Yet the Government has clearly refused to provide time for a debate on this matter. As we know from previous experience, the Taoiseach will transfer questions to another Minister and this is not acceptable in a democracy.
I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, to resume the debate on the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 1996.
On a point of order——
Not now, Deputy Burke.
——it is unreal to proceed with the business ordered given what has happened.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
I am on my feet Deputy Burke.
It is unreal to think that the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, will read a prepared script when similar circumstances brought down a previous Government.
(Interruptions.)
This also relates to a document in the Attorney General's office. What is happening is unreal and we demand a debate on the issue. The Ceann Comhairle acquiesced to a debate and the Government should let it take place now. It is unreal, unfair and unreasonable to proceed with the business ordered for today.
That would be a breach of procedure.
What Members on the other side of the House are doing is a breach of procedure. Deputy O'Malley asked a reasonable question which could not be answered by the Taoiseach.
(Interruptions.)
If the Taoiseach knew the truth about the matter yesterday why did he not inform the House then?
A Deputy
He threw the baby out with the bath water.
Can I have an answer to my question?
This is gross disorder.
Will the Taoiseach give straight answers to the questions asked?
Why will the Taoiseach not give us answers?
Please, Deputy O'Malley. I am asking that the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, be allowed to proceed.