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Dáil
‹ Priority Questions and Private Members' Time: Motion.

Priority Questions scheduling

Summary

Desmond asked whether Priority Questions could be moved to the beginning of Question Time and the arrangements reviewed during the recess. Brady said the current arrangement would continue until summer and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges could consider changes; after further dispute, the Chair closed the discussion and formally put the motion, but no result is recorded.

Can the Government Whip tell us whether there is any prospect in the recess that the arrangements in respect of Priority Question would be revised and that at least Priority Questions would be taken at the beginning of Question Time rather than at the end and that the procedure relating to those questions——

Comment on this
Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

This is leading towards debate.

Comment on this

There should be a debate on it, Sir, these are matters of difficulty.

Comment on this

This matter was discussed at a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges last Thursday. In fact, there was no debate or discussion whatever on it. There was agreement among all parties and I am surprised therefore that the issue has become a little contentious this morning. The present arrangement will now continue until the summer recess and it will be up to the CPP to decide in their own way if there should be any change in the arrangement.

Comment on this

It is a matter for this House to decide.

Comment on this

On a point of order, I understood that the meetings of the CPP were confidential but since the Chief Whip of the Government has now seen fit to tell us what happened at a meeting of that committee I am sure he will confirm that already there is an investigation into the whole question——

Comment on this
Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

This is leading to argument. I am calling item No. 18 which is a motion on the Appropriation Accounts for 1986. I call on the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Brady, to move the motion.

Comment on this

Have we finished with item No. 10?

Comment on this
Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

We have.

Comment on this

You did not put the question.

Comment on this
Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

I thought I had put the question. Let us be sure about these matters, I will put the question now. Is item No. 10 agreed?

Comment on this
Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

I am now formally putting the question.

Comment on this
Division Carried

Question put: "That item No. 10 be agreed".

Tá 90
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Níl 16

Do you agree with this result?