asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of the import of British fertiliser products to this country for each of the three years ended 31st December, 1966, 1967 and 1968.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the information requested by the Deputy.

Following is the statement:—

IMPORTS of Manufactured Fertilisers from Great Britain in each of the three years ending 31st December, 1966, 1967, 1968.

*Provisional.

Question No. 13.

On a point of order, before you pass from the questions with which the Taoiseach is dealing, I should like to ask you, Sir, if your prior approval was sought and secured for the insertion of the Taoiseach's speech, made as Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party at the Fianna Fáil ArdFheis, in the Library of the Oireachtas, if there is any precedent for this proceeding and, if there is not, whether steps will be taken to correct what I suggest is an unprecedented departure——

I cannot see how we can discuss that matter on Question No. 13.

It is a specific point of order.

It does not arise on this question.

It is the first time we were informed.

It is the first time that the House was informed that a political Leader's speech, which I am not challenging and which he had a perfect right to deliver, at the Ard Fheis, was placed in the Library of the Oireachtas as a public document. I suggest that it is a wholly improper precedent.

I was asked a question about the Government's attitude to a specific public matter and this document contains the answer.

My submission is: if this precedent is accepted what is to prevent me or any other Deputy — we are all equal——

We cannot have a discussion on this matter.

——from putting his public speeches in the Library?

I should like a ruling on this matter. Were you consulted, Sir?

The Chair was not consulted and there was no need for the Chair to be consulted.

Perhaps the Chair would consider the matter?

Perhaps the Deputy would refer it to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Question No. 13.