EU battlegroups
Mr. Gormley: The Government is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with our battlegroup colleagues on our participation in the battlegroup. Does the Taoiseach agree it would be appropriate to debate this memorandum of understanding—-
An Ceann Comhairle: It does not arise on the Order of Business. Subjects for debate are a matter for the Whips.
Mr. Gormley: This memorandum of understanding makes no mention—–
An Ceann Comhairle: I suggest the Deputy obey the Chair. We will not continue any longer on the Order of Business.
Mr. Gormley: We had legislation—–
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy can raise the matter tomorrow if it is in order.
Mr. Gormley: It is in order. We ought to have a debate. The fact is it makes no mention—–
An Ceann Comhairle: Is a debate promised? As the Deputy knows, only promised debate is allowed on the Order of Business.
Mr. Gormley: Deputy Kitt indicated in the newspaper that we should discuss this item in the House. Is it not correct that Deputy Kitt was so quoted? No mention was made of our requirement of a UN mandate.
An Ceann Comhairle: Is a debate promised?
The Taoiseach: No.
An Ceann Comhairle: The matter can be raised with the Whips.