On a point of order I think that, with respect to the Chair, on a matter relating to the national wage agreement on which there is widespread discussion, a longer discussion should have been permitted. The national wage agreement is as important as the annual budget. The Minister had just clarified that the wage increases under the agreement were nearer 14 per cent and there followed the consequential question of what change had occurred in Government policy.

All the questions on the Order Paper are important and it is not for the Chair to decide that because one question might be more important than another, he should exceed what he considers to be reasonable. I had allowed six supplementary questions. By any standard in the past history of the House that is good.

A Ceann Comhairle——

We cannot have a debate on the matter. I am calling the next question.

On a point of order, I had three questions down.

I rose to make a point of order but I wish also to ask a supplementary on my question.

If the Deputies would cease interrupting, their questions would be answered.

My questions were not put to the Minister for Economic Planning and Development but were transferred.

The Deputy may not make a speech.

I have been allowed only one supplementary on three questions but I wish to ask a question on the national wage agreement.

The Deputy asked three supplementaries.

I beg to differ. I had to repeat the first one.

The Chair has decided that no further supplementaries will be allowed on the question. The next question has been called.

With respect, the Chair is attempting to have the questions dealt with as if they related to telephone kiosks. Without intending to be personal, the Minister for Economic Planning and Development is the cornerstone of the Government's economic strategy and, consequently, the House is entitled to question him.

I am calling Question No. 12.

Surely I am entitled to ask a supplementary on Question No. 11.

Yes.