Register of visitors
Begley sought access to the visitors’ register after a dispute with the Fisheries Minister. The Chair advised him to raise the matter through a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges; a brief procedural exchange about the ordering of questions followed.
I should like to get the guidance of the Chair on the following matter. In the course of exchanges between the Minister for Fisheries and myself yesterday, the Minister referred to me as a reptile because I stated that he recently had a meeting with a Mr. X, since identified as a Mr. Stafford. I wish to ask the Chair if he will place before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges the register of visitors for the past six weeks?
Comment on this
As Ceann Comhairle, I would not wish that it should become the practice that Deputies' visitors would be listed and made available to people. If the Deputy wishes to have this matter raised at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, he knows how that can be done, by approaching some member of the committee.
Comment on this
The Ceann Comhairle is in charge of the House. There is the question of the register of visitors over which the Committee on Procedure and Privileges have no power. That is the Ceann Comhairle's function.
Comment on this
I would advise the Deputy to mention it to somebody. The Ceann Comhairle presides at these meetings and will mention the matter.
I wish to point out that questions for which written answers are not sought will appear on the Order Paper of 25 April.