: On a point of order——

7.

asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if it is the policy of the Government that the terms of the national wage agreement should apply to professional fees.

: The National Wage Agreement is a voluntary arrangement between employers and the ICTU——

: Could we settle this matter? There is a motion to suspend Standing Orders.

: On a point of order, is the Chair ruling?

: On a point of order I am the only Member called by the Chair.

: I want to make a point of order?

: Will the Deputy please resume his seat?

: I am on a point of order.

: I want to say my last word. There will be no further discussion on this. The only point made is that the debate is not on the Green Paper. If the debate is not on the Green Paper, then I will review my decision.

: Exclusively.

: Most Members who are discussing this matter have not even looked at the questions.

: How could we look at them? They are not down.

: There were 15 questions.

: I have here questions that you ruled out and I will quote what I have. It is signed by yourself to Deputy Barry Desmond and it says: "I regret I have had to disallow the Questions addressed by you to the Minister for Economic Planning and Development regarding the recently published Green Paper, Development for Full Employment. These matters are appropriate to be raised in the debate on the adjournment for the Summer Recess."

(Cavan-Monaghan): And so is everything else.

: These are statistical questions designed to elicit information.

: The same criteria applies to all questions. It is on the record of the House that the Green Paper is to be discussed on the Adjournment——

: Are you sure?

: If it is not, I will review my decision.

: I think you have gone a good distance——

: I am trying to pursue a point of order, Deputy Kelly. The point is that whether or not the Green Paper is to be included in the Adjournment Debate is immaterial.

: That is not a point of order.

: It is the position, and it always has been, that Deputies use Question Time in order to elicit vital information that may be used in the course of a debate. When the Chair rules Deputies may not ask questions because they are anticipating a debate that is a total disregard for both precedent and Standing Orders.

: The Deputy has made his statement now and he may pursue it in another place.

: I was elected to this place——

: Would the Minister answer Question No. 7?

: The national wage agreement is a voluntary arrangement between employers and the ICTU to provide for increases in rates of pay and the avoidance of industrial disputes. The agreement does not apply to professional fees. It is the Government's aim, however, to ensure as far as possible that the development of incomes other than pay, including professional fees, is in line with the national wage agreement increases.

: On a point of order——

: Order.

: The Leader of the Opposition has moved——

: The Deputy is deliberately seeking to disrupt the Business of the House.

: Is the Chair implying the Leader of the Opposition comes in deliberately to cause disorder? Will you adjourn the House, please?

: I am calling Question No. 8.

: Is my motion to adjourn the House not being taken? Will the Chair hear me on a point of order?

: I am the only Member properly on his feet.

: On a point of order it is provided under Standing Orders 139 (2) that in cases of urgent necessity, of which the Ceann Comhairle shall be the judge, any Standing Order or Orders may be suspended upon motion without notice. The Standing Order provides that the Chair shall be the judge of urgent necessity and it further provides that, if such motion be opposed, the Ceann Comhairle shall permit an explanatory statement from the Members who move it and a statement from a Member who opposes it before he puts the question thereon. It is clear from the wording that I am entitled to make an explanatory statement and, secondly, that you must put the question. May I, therefore, make my explanatory statement?

: I am not accepting it. It is not the Chair's job——

: Surely you cannot refuse to accept a procedural matter covered under Standing Orders.

: Would the Minister reply to Question No. 8?

8.