(Clare): I submitted a Private Notice Question this morning which was disallowed about the matter I raised this morning and yesterday afternoon. Because it is of national importance and national interest, and also because of the fact that I failed to get confirmation or denial of the newspaper report about it from the Taoiseach on two occasions, it is now a matter of great importance within the Defence Forces. There is discontent and also confusion because it was not denied.

Has the Deputy got a request to make?

(Clare): Could the Chair tell me why it did not qualify under these headings?

I was advised — and I carefully considered the advice I got — to the effect that, while there is ministerial responsibility, there is not sufficient urgency to warrant a Private Notice Question as against an ordinary notice question because there will be plenty of time to take it next week.

(Clare): A Private Notice Question?

No, an ordinary notice question. To qualify for a Private Notice Question it must be sufficiently urgent to justify special notice as against ordinary notice.

What happens if poppy day comes and goes and he does not get it?

Deputy P.J. Sheehan to resume on the Tourist Traffic Bill.

If the Taoiseach had chosen to reply in the negative this morning it would have solved the whole thing.

I will not have it discussed now.