Before dealing with the Order of Business, I ask leave of the House to move the adjournment of the Seanad for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. It is in relation to the new rules which have been made under the Trade Marks Act, 1963, which increases the fees payable under the Trade Marks Rules and the Trade Marks Act, 1963, by as much as 150 per cent. The urgency of the matter arises by reason of the fact that the rules take effect on the 1st April next. There has, I understand, been no consultation with the patent agents and the people concerned with trade marks and it will have a very dislocating effect on trade mark agencies in this country and our agencies abroad. In view of the fact that this is a form of taxation which is being introduced we ought to adjourn the Seanad to revoke those regulations.
Request to Move Adjournment of Seanad on Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
The Senator should not proceed further on that matter. I thank the Senator for having given me notice this morning of his intention to request leave to move the adjournment of the Seanad on a definite matter of urgent public importance. I have carefully considered the matter but must rule in accordance with precedent that the motion is not one contemplated by the Standing Order. Accordingly, I have ruled the matter out of order.
This ruling is, of course, without prejudice to the right of the Senator, or, indeed, of any Senator, to give notice of motion in the usual way in respect of this matter.
I accept your ruling. I shall put down a motion to revoke the regulations. I would ask the Leader of the House to provide time at the earliest possible date to have a discussion on the motion to revoke the regulations. I trust the Leader of the House will be able to see his way to do that.
I shall do my best.