It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in that order and to take No. 2, that is, the second motion, at 5.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 7 o'clock. The second motion will not be finished but I suggest that the remainder be taken next week.
Order of Business.
I am very disappointed to note that motion No. 12 is not included among the matters for debate, as we have today and, possibly, tomorrow for the debating of motions. Motion No. 12 is concerned with the telecommunications dispute and I do not think there is anything on the Order Paper of greater importance than it. I would ask the Leader of the House at this stage to allow the House to debate that most important issue.
We find it very difficult in the back benches to hear what is being proposed on the Order of Business. This happens all the time.
I will make inquiries about that and have it seen to. Senator Eoin Ryan to reply.
I am not prepared to agree to the suggestion about taking No. 12. It would be most inappropriate to take it in view of the fact that agreement seems to be in sight in regard to that dispute. It certainly could not help the situation at the moment and it might do harm to it. In any event, the motions which are being taken have been on the Order Paper for some time and are entitled to priority.
I would respectfully suggest that what should determine priority is the importance of the subject matter of the motion rather than the length of time it has been on the Order Paper. I disagree with the Senator when he says that it would be inappropriate to take motion No. 12 dealing with the telecommunication dispute now because——
The discussion on this has been concluded. I asked Senator Eoin Ryan to reply and he has done so. There cannot be any further discussion on it.
In view of the importance of the matter we should vote.
Question put: "That the Order of Business be Items 1, 2 and 3."
The Seanad divided: Tá, 23; Níl,15.
Tá
- Brennan, Séamus.
- Brugha, Ruairí.
- Cassidy, Eileen.
- Conroy, Richard.
- Cranitch, Mícheál.
- Crowley, Flor.
- de Brún, Séamus.
- Donnelly, Michael Patrick.
- Dowling, Joseph.
- Ellis, John.
- Goulding, Lady.
- Harney, Mary.
- Herbert, Anthony.
- Hillery, Brian.
- Hyland, Liam.
- Jago, R. Valentine.
- Kiely, Rory.
- Lanigan, Michael.
- McGlinchey, Bernard.
- Mulcahy, Noel William.
- O'Toole, Martin J.
- Ryan, Eoin.
- Whitaker, Thomas Kenneth.
Níl
- Blennerhassett, John.
- Burke, Liam.
- Butler, Pierce.
- Kilbride, Thomas.
- Lyons, Michael Dalgan.
- McCartin, John Joseph.
- Markey, Bernard.
- Molony, David.
- Cooney, Patrick Mark.
- Governey, Desmond.
- Howard, Michael.
- Moynihan, Michael.
- O'Brien, Andy.
- Reynolds, Patrick Joseph.
- Robinson, Mary T. W.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Brennan and Brugha; Níl, Senators Burke and Moynihan.
Question declared carried.
Order of Business agreed to.