Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Mar 1984

Vol. 103 No. 5

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Seán O'Leary that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The position with regard to the proposed take-over of the Irish Civil Service Building Society by the Bank of Ireland Group.

I regard the matter as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken from 8 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., or earlier if the business ordered is concluded.

I also have notice from Senator Brendan Ryan of the following matter:

The delay in providing adequate sites and facilities for travelling people in the Greater Dublin area.

I rule this matter is not admissible for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground that there is no ministerial responsibility involved.

Mr. B. Ryan

It is the first time in my life that I have ever felt like being disorderly in this House. I am told that there is no Government Minister responsible for looking after travelling people. I have in front of me the report of the Review Body on Travelling People which is a report to two Government Ministers, and now I am told there is no Minister responsible for travelling people.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator, you will have to resume your seat.

Mr. B. Ryan

I will not. There are people living on the sides of roads throughout the country to whom this House is a nonsense.

An Cathaoirleach

I will have to order you to leave the House and I do not like to do that. I am asking you.

Mr. B. Ryan

I do not like being disorderly, but I cannot accept the position where people are living on the sides of roads——

An Cathaoirleach

I am asking you again to resume your seat.

Mr. B. Ryan

I will not resume my seat. Because of the way in which people are living in the country the forces of the State are being used to oppress them——

An Cathaoirleach

I am asking you to resume your seat.

Mr. B. Ryan

I am told there is no ministerial responsibility. It is not good enough and it is not acceptable to me.

An Cathaoirleach

I have to name the Senator and I do not like to do it.

Mr. B. Ryan

I cannot accept such a position, that the travelling people are not the responsibility of any Minister.