Before I call Senator Connaughton on a matter on the adjournment, could the Chair have an indication of when it is proposed to sit again?
Business of Seanad.
Sine die.
It is highly irresponsible of the Leader of the House to propose an indefinite adjournment. We are not alone ignoring business ordered for today, the reports on the EEC which are quite extensive and on which debate is long overdue, but we are now definitely saying that we are not discussing the Northern Ireland motions before we rise. This time last year it was considered important to keep us here until the end of July on a matter which was then the first political priority of the present Taoiseach, the Family Planning Bill, but on this matter of paramount national priority it seems to me absolutely appalling to defer discussion of Northern Ireland, despite the repeated wishes of various Senators from different sides of the House. To ignore their wishes is an insult to the House.
I, too, think it is a mistake that this House should adjourn sine die without having a discussion on the proposals made yesterday in the House of Commons with regard to Northern Ireland. This is a very important matter and I believe there are people in the country who are of the opinion that the Dáil should be recalled so that we would have a far-ranging discussion on the proposals and a statement of the aspirations of the people. Without going so far as to recall the Dáil, we have the Seanad in session and this House should be afforded an opportunity to have a discussion on these proposals. It is a mistake not to do so.