Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Garland. Perhaps the Deputy would now state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I hereby request that Dáil Éireann adjourn today to discuss the impending demolition of Howth House, Howth, County Dublin, which is located at the base of St. Mary's Abbey separating Abbey Street from Harbour Road. It is imperative not to alter the form and mass of this triangular site but to confer on it the status of a focal point, a place which invites people to rejoice in its history, part of Howth's history, which is the motor vessel Asgard, which should be returned to Howth and given its place of importance on the Howth House site, the only suitable site on the waterfront.
I appeal to the Taoiseach, on effectively his last day in office, as a master manner and conservationist, to use his good office to allow this debate proceed.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 30. Therefore, I cannot grant the Deputy leave to move the motion.
It has gone aground.
I must express my extreme disappointment with this ruling. While appreciating that the Chair must adhere to the rules of the House, it should be remembered that as there is no Question Time today, there is no other way of raising this matter.
I have informed the Deputy that the matter to which he refers is not within the current responsibility of the Government.
I beg your pardon, A Cheann Comhairle, it certainly is. May I please have a response from the Taoiseach?
Deputy Garland will now resume his seat.
Will the Taoiseach please respond?
The Deputy has always obeyed the Chair and I must ask him to do so now. If the Deputy does not obey the Chair I shall have to ask him to leave the House.
I must insist that this matter be debated today.
Deputy Garland, please. If the Deputy persists I shall have to insist on him leaving the House.
I must insist that this matter be debated today.
Deputy Garland, I have shown great patience with you. If you persist I shall have to insist on you leaving the House.
Deputies
Ah, do not.
Deputy Garland, please leave the House.
Deputy Garland withdrew from the Chamber.
We come now to the Order of Business.
I am tempted to say something about: "When beggars die there are no comets seen". If Deputies want me to finish the quotation it is: "... the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes".