Before coming to the Order of Business, I have received a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Proinsias De Rossa. I now call on Deputy De Rossa to state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
In accordance with Standing Order 30 I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest: the bombing by United States forces of an air raid shelter in Baghdad in which more than 400 civilians are reported to have been killed, the mounting civilian casualties in the war the increasing evidence that the US-led coalition are exceeding the terms of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 678; and in the light of these events the need for the Government to review their earlier decision to grant overflight and landing facilities to US military aircraft. Many of those who originally supported the US attack on Iraq because they believed it had been sanctioned by the United Nations are increasingly questioning the morality of actions being taken in the name of the international community.
Membership of the United Nations cannot absolve this country and this Dáil from the obligation to make a moral evaluation of those acts of war which are being allegedly carried out on the basis of a United Nations mandate and in our name. The situation has changed dramatically since the House last debated the matter on 19 January and I believe it is essential that the Dáil again discuss this war, especially in the light of the continuing civilian deaths.
Accordingly, I urge the Ceann Comhairle to grant my request.
While the Chair has no direct discretion in the matter, I am concerned about the inordinate length of the Deputy's submission despite the views and concern expressed recently by our Committee on Procedure and Privileges in respect of the use of Standing Order 30. However, that is an ongoing matter. Having considered this matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 30 and I therefore cannot grant leave to move the motion.
On a point of order, Sir, if you could indicate to the House the grounds on which you believe this matter is not in order——
Deputy De Rossa——
May I complete my point of order?
No, Deputy De Rossa, you may not.
Surely I am entitled to complete my point of order.
Deputy De Rossa, I have ruled on the matter. My ruling may not be discussed or challenged in this fashion.
I am not challenging your ruling. I am asking you to clarify your decision——
Deputy De Rossa, the Chair is not obliged to give reasons.
——so we can discuss it——
The Chair is not obliged to give reasons for his ruling in the House and has no intention of doing so now. I am now calling the Taoiseach——
——because I feel it is entirely inappropriate that you should make a decision on the matter——
Deputy De Rossa, you will now resume your seat.
Will you explain to the House why——
You will now resume your seat.