Challenge to ruling on Taoiseach questions
Deputy Dukes challenged the Chair’s decision to rule out his questions to the Taoiseach, arguing they concerned an issue soon to come before the House. The Chair upheld the ruling and directed him to stop raising it.
Two questions by me to the Taoiseach have been ruled out of order on the grounds that he has no responsibility in the matter. That is absurd as they both deal with a matter which will come before the House very shortly. May I ask the Taoiseach if he is pleading diminished responsibility, no responsibility or sheer irresponsibility——
Comment on this
I conveyed my decision to the Deputy in respect of the matter and it is not in order to raise it now.
Comment on this
I must ask Deputy Dukes to desist from any further reference to a matter which I have ruled out of order.
Comment on this
Have I any way of combating this pleading of no responsibility on the part of the Taoiseach?
Comment on this
I have conveyed my decision to the Deputy and I have nothing further to add to it now.