On a point of order, the Chair will be aware that I tried to raise the matter of the RTE strike by way of a Private Notice Question and while I accept the Chair's ruling on the matter, I am disappointed and disturbed about the ruling. I now ask that the Chair would consider my application to raise the matter on the Adjournment. I wish to ask the Minister for Labour what steps he is taking to prevent this strike which will have widespread ill-effects not only on RTE as the national television service but also throughout the country in the present circumstances. I appreciate the patience the Chair has shown me.

The Deputy can be assured that I did not treat his request lightly. I gave every consideration to it in an effort to get it allowed as a Private Notice Question. However, I will communicate with the Deputy with regard to his request to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

It is a matter of public importance and raising it on the Adjournment is the only mechanism I can use at the moment.

I attempted to table a Private Notice Question about a court decision in Cork which has serious implications in regard to the Rent Restrictions (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1982 but I was informed by the Chair that it was out of order.

The matter is sub judice.

I understand that but when we draft legislation we do so to protect the people of the country.

When a matter becomes sub judice we are not permitted to discuss it.

Surely if we draft legislation——

I think the Deputy has made his point. I would point out that I am not obliged to give the Deputy a reason for not allowing a question. I looked at the matter carefully and tried to see if it could be raised by way of Private Notice Question but I found it could not.

Does it mean that the people are left at the mercy of decisions by judges, whether they be good or bad, and have no protection?

I cannot help the Deputy any further on the matter. I am sorry about this but he has made his point.