It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9. It is proposed also to take the items in that order except that it is proposed to take the Motion, No. 9, from 3.30 until 6.30 p.m. The reason for this is that the Minister for Finance has indicated that not only would he like to contribute to the debate on this motion but he would like, if possible, to be present throughout the debate. As the Minister will be engaged in the other House at 7 o'clock, it is proposed that we take the motion at 3.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
There is one problem which I discovered this morning with regard to the procedure of the House. I wished to raise a subject on the Adjournment, which has been debarred under Standing Order No. 28 which says that items to be raised on the Adjournment must be handed in to the clerk at 3 p.m. on the day prior to the sitting day of the House. I feel that Standing Order militates against Senators who live outside Dublin and who come to Dublin only on the morning of a Seanad sitting. I would like the incoming Committee on Procedure and Privileges to consider changing that to read "that it be handed to the Clerk or to the Cathaoirleach before 2.30 p.m. on the sitting day in question". In my view the present position leaves politicians and Members of this House, who are representatives of quite a considerable electorate, at an unfair advantage because they are not able to give 24 hours' notice of questions which are of urgent importance. I wished to raise today the question of the Government's failure to provide the necessary finance for the extension of Sligo Hospital.
Senator, you are getting out of line on the Order of Business.
I might be getting slightly out of line, but I would ask the incoming Committee on Procedure and Privileges, the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Government side of the House——
You are not entitled to make a speech on the Order of Business. I want to be fair to you——
I am asking that Standing Order 28 be amended to read "2 p.m. on the sitting day in question".
The Committee on Procedure and Privileges will consider that favourably.
As another Senator based well outside Dublin, while I do not want to get involved in technical details, I sympathise with Senator Ellis. It is extremely inconvenient for Senators not based in Dublin——
The Senator may take it for granted that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will look into the matter.
On the same point but from another angle, apart from the inconvenience to Senators who live outside the city, consideration should be given to Senator Ellis's proposal when an important and urgent matter arises, such as the one I submitted today concerning the alleged closure of the Tuam sugar factory. The announcement was made at 3 o'clock yesterday. In that case it was impossible for us to put down a motion today. I agree with what Senator Ellis has said——
I agree with Senator Ellis and Senator Killilea.
Has there been any recent change in the Standing Order referred to?
No.
In view of the statement made yesterday by the chairman of the Sugar Company and the serious implications that would have for the town of Tuam, I would ask you to accept Senator Killilea's and my motions that this subject be discussed this evening. It is very important and very urgent for the town of Tuam and the surrounding areas. We should be given time to——
If you come to my office after we leave here I will talk to you about it.
That is very kind of you, but do you think there is any way, after our visit to your office, in which we could raise this matter this evening? Do you believe you may have found a loophole by which this could be done?
That is what we will try to do.
Did it not occur to Fianna Fáil to raise these matters when they were in Government?
The matters we are debating did not arise until the present Government came into power. Standing Orders have been there for years.
You may speak only once on the Order of Business.
I am very happy that the Order of Business as proposed has been agreed, and I do not think there is any need for me to go into other matters, except to say that any request by a Member, made either in an orderly or disorderly fashion, in regard to Standing Orders will be taken account of.
I hope the Leader of the House is not suggesting that I raised this matter in a disorderly manner. I believe I have more right to speak in this House than he has — at least I had a mandate from the general public.
That was better left unsaid.
(Interruptions.)
Order of Business agreed to.