It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 3.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, on 1st February the Acting Leader of the House indicated to us that he understood the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries would attend the House in order to take the motions concerning agriculture on the Order Paper during February. As the month of February is now almost spent, I should like to ask if this undertaking is to be met.
Still on the Order of Business, on 8th February the Acting Leader of the House, Senator E. Ryan, stated here in reply to a query as to when motions dealing with the refusal of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to meet a responsible deputation of the farming community would be taken that they would be taken within a fortnight. Today that fortnight is up and I should like to know from the Leader of the House if he proposes later in the day to allow time to initiate a discussion on that topic.
As far as I can recollect there was no definite promise given. Senator E. Ryan undertook to ask the Minister if he would be available. In reply to Senator Dooge, it is not proposed to give time this week.
In reply to Senator Ó Maoláin—he was not here that day —on 8th February Senator E. Ryan, as reported at column 936 of the Official Report, stated:
I have not found out whether he will be definitely available this day fortnight, but it will be either this day fortnight or, possibly, next week; or if not, within the next three weeks, whichever of those three Wednesdays or Thursdays is suitable for the Minister.
Read the full thing.
On three occasions the Senator said it would be possible to fix a time to take the motions. Senator Murphy took him up on the matter and Senator E. Ryan said that though he could not guarantee anything, it was possible the time would be arranged within a fortnight. The Senator said—and this is the point I wish to make clear—that it would be either a fortnight from that day or possibly the following week.
I said that is what I would try to do. I did not give any promise.
I am not blaming the Senator personally. I assume he was speaking for the Minister and I ask now when the Government propose to make time available. Is it being made available today? If not, why not?
Is the Minister afraid to come in?
The Minister is not afraid of anything or anybody and the Senator is aware of that.
The Acting Leader of the House on the last occasion gave us the impression that the Minister would come in during the month. February is now practically gone, yet the Minister has refused to meet the farming community on the dispute which the Minister says does not exist.
The subject matter of the motion may not be discussed.
I think the House is being——
I must put the question that the Order of Business as announced be agreed. Senators in favour will say "Tá" and those against "Níl".
I disagree——
The motion is carried.
Senators
Vótáil.
Senator McQuillan to resume his seat.
I disagree with the Order of Business and I should like an answer from the Leader of the House as to why the Minister is not coming.
The Senator will resume his seat.
Is it not a fact that the Minister not alone refuses to meet the farmers but to meet the Seanad? Is that not arrogance?
I have no alternative but to name the Senator for disregarding the authority of the Chair.