I endeavoured by way of Private Notice Question to draw the attention of the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism to the threatened closure of Burlington Industries in Gilloge, County Clare, with a loss of in excess of 250 jobs and the possible effect on other small companies in the region.

I pointed out to the Deputy that that was not in order.

I want to draw the Minister's attention to the crisis in that company and to ask him what efforts he is making to find a solution.

The Chair received two Private Notice Questions on that topic today and ruled both of them out of order on the grounds that they did not meet with the criteria of urgency as it was clear from a statement — and I am going a bit further than I usually do — that nothing drastic would happen for a number of months and there is ample time to put down an ordinary question.

I do not wish to dispute your decision but this is a very serious crisis in the industry and every effort will have to be made ——

This is disorderly. The Deputy is trying to steamroll himself and his question over the Chair's ruling and that is not permissible. The Deputy can put down an ordinary question.