(Carlow-Kilkenny): I seek leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil on an important matter requiring urgent consideration, namely, the unprecedented decision by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Molloy, to overturn a decision made by Carlow Urban District Council which had been approved by the Department last June for the construction of a mixed housing scheme in Carlow. As a consequence of the Minister of State's decision, local democracy has been damaged and serious questions arise as to the validity of departmental approval if subsequent decisions change the rules.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
Disgraceful.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
The exclusive democrats.
The housing was too close to Senator Gibbons.
This matter was dealt with last Thursday on the Adjournment——
What would Deputy Harney have to say if she was in Opposition?
——when the Minister of State explained that he did not interfere.
Mr. Coveney
I wish to move the adjournment of the House under Standing Order 31 for the purpose of debating the continuing blockade by UK farmers of UK ports, together with associated developments and the consequent and serious repercussions for Irish farmers, processors, hauliers and the economy.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
On a point of order, I cannot think of anything more serious than the fear of people eating meat and the dreadful attack on our exports to Britain. Can the Chair give us guidelines as to what is considered important under this standing order? It must appear ridiculous to the public that when a Deputy tries to raise an issue such as this, permission to do so is refused on the basis that it is not important. I cannot think of anything more important.
The Opposition had its chance to change the rules when its Members were on this side of the House.
There are ample opportunities to raise the matter. If the Deputy wishes to consult the office of the Ceann Comhairle, they will be discussed with him.
What is important?
The House made clear its view of the practice of taking multiple questions and permitting omnibus answers from the Minister. Why is it the Chair's intention to persist with this practice when it was clearly the view of the Opposition parties——
We are discussing Standing Order 31.
At what stage will it be clarified?
It does not arise at this time. I call the Taoiseach to outline the Order of Business.
Of course it does. The policy must be clarified.
Does the Chair accept it is not the wish of the House that the practice continue?
It is an unprecedented practice.
The Chair has never behaved in that way by combining questions. It is unacceptable.
The Chair has discretion in the matter——
The Chair does not have discretion to change Standing Orders.
I do not intend to discuss the matter now.
I support Deputy Barrett's observation. Perhaps the Chair could advise Members as to whether he is working from an agreed set of precedents which constitute matters of urgency, having regard to the business before the House which is the resumption of the budget debate. If there are no agreed precedents available to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, could it be the subject for discussion in that committee so the Chair, as arbitrator of rules which we devise, can have a clearer indication of what those rules are than it currently has?
The Deputy refused to change the rules when he was in Government.
I also support Deputy Shatter's comments. We appear to be moving, out of concern for convenience and to facilitate as many Deputies as possible, to adopting a new practice which has not been given adequate consideration. If it is not based on precedent, it should be the subject of debate in the Committee on Procedure and Privileges so the Chair will have clear rules which Deputies understand and to which they have given their assent.
There is ample precedent with regard to Standing Order 31. Members can consult with the office of the Ceann Comhairle.
What is important?
There is no section 31 here.
(Interruptions.)
The last Ceann Comhairle made similar rulings.
Does the intervention of the Government Whip imply that the Government makes the rules? Does the Ceann Comhairle or the Government make this decision?
(Interruptions.)
This is a serious question. We will not accept this.