Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 1966

Vol. 60 No. 13

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have considered the application from Senator Sheehy Skeffington to raise, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House tonight, the following matter:

The failure of the Minister of Education to ensure that Mr. John McGahern N.T. be allowed to resume his teaching post in St. John the Baptist's National School, Clontarf, Dublin, at the end of the year's leave of absence granted to him by the Department of Education on his winning of a Macauley Fellowship Award.

I rule that it is not admissible for discussion on the Adjournment as there is no Ministerial responsibility involved. The Senator has been notified of my decision.

Dr. Sheehy Skeffington

On a point of order, I accept your ruling but are we really to understand that in respect of a teacher paid by the Department to which we, as a House, voted £14 million for the payment of teachers' salaries, the Minister has no power, no responsibility, no capacity to see that this man is not deprived of his right to earn his living in this country?

An Cathaoirleach

The Chair has considered the matter very fully and has given its ruling.