I understand that it is not now proposed to move the motion appearing as Item No. 4 on the Order Paper.
Public Business. - Business of Seanad.
Leas-Chathaoirleach
Not to move it at all?
Leas-Chathaoirleach
Not to-day. That is all I have been informed.
Is the motion being withdrawn altogether?
There ought to be some procedure in this House to see that a Senator cannot put a Motion down on the Order Paper, make arrangements with a Minister to attend and then say that he will not move it on that particular day, or will take it off the paper altogether. I could make plenty of suggestions but I will not make them now. I think it is an abuse of the privileges of members of the House to put down a motion, leave it on the Order Paper, get a certain amount of publicity from it, and then calmly not move it.
All of us could air our views about some particular matter at the expense of the State by having it set down in the form of a Motion on the Order Paper and circulated, and then, it having served its publicity purpose, withdraw it. I think it very discourteous to the House.
Perhaps I should say that I am glad the Motion is not being moved.
I think the position is that when a Senator does not move a Motion it disappears, and that whatever rights he may have afterwards would have to be interpreted by the Cathaoirleach. While I sympathise with Senator Hayes and Senator Magennis, I do not want to make it too difficult for a Senator who, in certain circumstances, does not think it wise to move a Motion.
No, but people should not make a practice of doing this.
I would not speak so strongly about it but for the fact that this particular Senator seems to make a practice of it. This is not the first time he has been guilty of it.
The Seanad adjourned at 6.35 p.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday, 7th August.