Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 1958

Vol. 49 No. 7

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have received notice from Senator Stanford that on the motion for the Adjournment of the House to-night he proposes to raise the following matter:—

"That in view of the hardship and financial loss sustained by members of the Pike Theatre Club, Dublin, as a result of the legal action by the Minister for Justice in connection with the production of the play entitled The Rose Tattoo, the Minister should take steps to compensate them and to ensure that injudicious proceedings of this kind will not be instituted in the future.”

I have ruled that this is a matter not suitable for discussion on the motion for the Adjournment on the following grounds: (1) That the institution of proceedings of this kind is not a matter for which a Minister of State is responsible, and (2) that, in any event, it would appear that legislation would be required to give effect to the Senator's proposal.

Professor Stanford

On a point of order, a Chathaoirligh, may I ask does this ruling mean that when an innocent man is imprisoned and left liable for over £200 damages, and when the State is brought into considerable ridicule by this injudicious action, there is no machinery under Standing Orders, as they are at present, for bringing the responsible member of the Government before the Seanad to defend his action?

An Cathaoirleach

The Chair has given its ruling. I am afraid there is no redress open to the Senator, unless he wishes to put down a motion which can be discussed.

Professor Stanford

Thank you.

Dr. Sheehy Skeffington

Do we understand that no action of the Attorney-General can be discussed in this House at all?

An Cathaoirleach

I cannot go into any action of the Attorney-General in this matter. I have given my ruling and the matter must rest on that.