It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive. Private Members' Business, No. 22 (resumed), will be taken from 7 p.m. until 8.30 p.m.

Yesterday I sought your permission to raise a very urgent and serious matter on the Adjournment.

The Deputy is well aware it is not in order to discuss the reasons why matters have been ruled out of order. It may not be discussed now.

I am simply asking why I got a message back from your office stating that the question had been disallowed. If it had been a question of priority I could have accepted it, even though I disagree with the choice of questions permitted——

The reason was given to the Deputy. If he wants further elaboration on it he may call on me at any time.

I got the simple message that it had been disallowed. Does that mean it cannot be raised on the Adjournment?

I will discuss the matter with the Deputy later.

This is a very urgent and serious matter.

Is the Deputy giving notice that he wishes to raise it on the Adjournment?

Yes, for the second time.

I will communicate with the Deputy during the afternoon.

I wish to raise a point in relation to a question I put down on the matter of the extension of the powers of the Whiddy Tribunal. I had a message from you this morning saying the matter was sub judice.

The Chair must insist that questions ruled out may not be discussed further here.

I am raising a point of order.

It is not a point of order.

The point of order, if I may be allowed to present it, is that my question did not relate to the tribunal's existing powers, which were a matter before the court——

The Deputy is questioning the ruling of the Ceann Comhairle.

I am referring to the fact that the question relates to an extension of the powers of the tribunal rather than in regard to any illegalities in regard to existing powers, and the second matter I want to raise——

It is disorderly to raise it at this juncture. It is not permitted.

The second matter I wish to refer to on my point of order——

Not in any way is it a point of order.

How, then, do I raise the point? I am looking for your guidance.

The Deputy may not raise this matter because it is not in order. All Deputies are well aware that these matters may not be discussed on the Order of Business.

I am relatively new in the House, but surely Deputies may raise points of order? The point I am raising is a legitimate point of order.

It is not a point of order.

Can you tell me how this matter, which is of serious concern, can be raised? Surely it must be possible to raise here a question on the extension of the tribunal's powers to include representation of local interests?

If the Deputy wishes to discuss it with me he can do so at any time, but not during the business of the House.

Is the ruling then that such a point can be raised only privately but not before the House?

If the Deputy wishes, I will elaborate on my ruling. I will give him my reasons, and a further explanation.

I should like to have written replies to Questions Nos. 176, 177 and 178, which I addressed to the Taoiseach last week.