Vol. 101 No. 2
I have notice from Senator Lanigan that on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today he proposed to raise the following matter:
The problems being created for public authorities throughout the country due to casual trading.
I rule that this matter is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the grounds that it involves criticism of or the advocating of legislation.
The longer I remain in this Chamber the more I learn. The unfortunate part about the learning process is that it is not until you put down a motion in the House that you find out that there is an inhibition on the discussion of a motion of this nature. I cannot understand how any motion on the Adjournment that I have heard has not been in some way critical of a particular piece of legislation or of something that is included in legislation. The situation here is that right throughout——
Senator Lanigan, as the Chair I have made a decision, and perhaps we could discuss it afterwards. I do not think the Senator can go on to discuss the motion.
I agree that the Leas-Chathaoirleach is bound by the rules of the House. Unfortunately, the rules of the House do not become known to——
The Senator is bound by them.
I agree with the Leas-Chathaoirleach's ruling. This matter, as is the case with many other matters, should be raised by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, because every week this is becoming more and more a House in which we cannot discuss matters——
Senator Lanigan is a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges as Leader of the Opposition and he should take the matter there.
I agree with that decision.
I trust I would not be out or order in paying tribute to the zeal with which occupants of the Chair in this House have at all times left themselves at the disposal of Senators who wished to come to them in private and have their degree of ignorance about the procedure of this House reduced by private conversation.
