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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers.

Rejected Question and Deputy Stagg’s Suspension

Summary

Stagg protested that his question to the Environment Minister was rejected as argumentative despite a similar question being accepted; the Chair ordered his suspension after repeated disorder. Spring sought referral of the inconsistency to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, but the Chair said it could not be taken up then.

On a point of order——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Not now, Deputy. Perhaps I will hear you another time. We are embarking on priority questions.

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My point of order has to do with questions particularly. I tabled a question to the Minister for the Environment but your office refused it on the basis that it contained argument. However, a similar question on the Order Paper with the exact same content has been allowed by you today.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy Stagg, please resume your seat.

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It is outrageous that my question was refused——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy was guilty of gross disorder this morning. He is repeating this disorder now. I must ask him to resume his seat or leave the House.

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You refused my question on the spurious grounds——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy Stagg, resume your seat or leave the House.

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——that it contained argument. However, a similar question with the exact same content has been allowed by you——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy Stagg, I must insist that you leave the House; otherwise I shall have to have you named.

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It is not acceptable that——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

I must ask that the Deputy be named.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn) rose.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The question is: "That Deputy Stagg be suspended from the service of An Dáil".

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Toddy O'Sullivan Mr. T. O'Sullivan Labour Party

On a point of order, Deputy Stagg has not been named. I imagine the stenographer would have difficulty in recording what has been said as Deputy Stagg has not been named.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Minister rose in his place and intimated——

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He said nothing.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

In case of any doubt in the matter I will put the question again.

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May I appeal to you, at this stage, a Cheann Comhairle, to reconsider this very reasonable case——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy Howlin, resume your seat. This kind of obstruction will not be tolerated by the Chair. I have asked that the motion be moved.

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I move: "That Deputy Emmet Stagg be suspended from the service of An Dáil".

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Division Carried

Question put.

Tá 56
·
Níl 13

Do you agree with this result?

Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy will now comply with the decision of the House.

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I accept the decision of the House but I protest against your decision, a Cheann Comhairle.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Leave the House, Deputy.

Deputy Stagg withdrew from the Chamber.

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On a point of order, I will try to be very orderly, but could I ask you, Sir, given the inconsistency in the refusal to accept Deputy Stagg's question and Question No. 41 on today's Order Paper——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

I cannot entertain this matter now.

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I am asking politely——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

If Deputy Spring or any other Deputy feels the ruling of the Chair is wrong, there is a procedure laid down for dealing with the matter. It may not be challenged now.

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I am not challenging anything. I am merely asking that this matter be discussed at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges because it is very serious.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

That is a matter for the Deputy. He has representation on that body.

An céad ceist chun an Aire Comhshaoil. I am now dealing with questions nominated for priority, for which a time limit applies under Standing Orders of the House.

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