That completes the business ordered for today but we have an item on the Adjournment for which the Chair got notice.
Business of Seanad.
It was agreed that that notice would be moved at 8 o'clock.
Not later than 8 o'clock or on the conclusion of the business ordered.
The mover of that was under the impression that it was at 8 o'clock and she is not available now.
The Chair would like to remind the House of the notice that I read which is as follows: I have notice from Senator Robinson that on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today she proposes to raise the following matter: the level of co-operation between the Department of Health and the Women's Aid Organisation. I regard the matter as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken from 8 to 8.30 p.m. or earlier if the business ordered is concluded.
I want to say that I had in fact agreed with Senator Robinson that I too would speak on this matter although I did not ask for the matter on the Adjournment. I do not know whether it is open to me to say anything about it even if Senator Robinson is not here to move it.
Unfortunatley only the Senator who gave notice may raise it. Notice can be given some other day unless it is possible for the Senator to be here in five or ten minutes.
I do not know where Senator Robinson is at the moment. I knew that she anticipated that this would be taken at 8 o'clock. I said I would be here at 8 o'clock as well but as it happened I came back before that in case it might come up earlier. I feel that it is a matter of considerable public importance and that it should be dealt with, I accept the ruling of the Chair that I cannot deal with it.
Unfortunately we cannot discuss it now but it can be raised on notice on another date.
On a point of information, I would like to say that I agree totally with Senator McGuinness that it is a matter of enormous public importance. Could the House not agree to allow Senator McGuinness to move the motion?
No. It is not perimtted by the Standing Order. It is Standing Order 28.
Could we suspend the Standing Order?
The Chair would not agree to interfere with the Standing Orders.
If the House, by agreement, decided to adjourn for one hour could we adjourn for that time and take the debate at 7.45 p.m.?
That is a matter entirely for the House.
I propose that the House adjourns until 7.45 p.m.
I second that. I feel the person involved in this motion was under the impression that it would be taken at 8 o'clock. I accept what the Chair has said but in order to facilitate the Senator I feel the House should adjourn for an hour and I will ensure that the Senator will be available by then.
Is it agreed that the sitting be suspended for one hour?
Agreed.
Sitting suspended at 6.45 p.m. and resumed at 7.45 p.m.