I have considered a request from Senator Howard to raise, on the motion for the adjournment this evening, the following matter: the present dispute involving the local authority engineers. I rule this matter is not suitable for discussion on the adjournment on the grounds that there is no ministerial responsibility involved.
Business of Seanad.
I am very disappointed with the Cathaoirleach's ruling on this subject.
When the Cathaoirleach gives a ruling it is not open to a Senator to dispute it in the House. There is a long tradition in this House of acceptance by Senators of the rulings of the Chair and I know that the Senator would be the last to depart from that tradition. I hope that I am not being unreasonable in expecting the Senator to accept the Chair's ruling even if one does not agree with it.
May I draw the attention of the Chair to the reply given by the Taoiseach in the Dáil on 14 November?
The Senator should not pursue this any further. The Chair has given a ruling on this and I would appreciate, and indeed the House would appreciate, if the Senator would leave the matter so.
I am seeking the advice of the Chair.
The Senator will have ample opportunity later on this evening if he wants the assistance of the Chair in any matter. I will be as courteous as possible to the Senator in that respect.
I did not catch the Chair's reply.
I said that I would be very pleased to give the Senator any help I could.