Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 1984

Vol. 104 No. 8

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have a notice from Senator Michael D. Higgins that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The implication for Senators in the public apology of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American people over the purported presence of Senators at the alleged burning of the US flag outside Leinster House on 4 June 1984.

In considering a matter for the half-hour adjournment, I must take into account that the procedure provides only for a very limited debate on matters of administration relevant to a Minister's Department. In my opinion the matter does not come within this procedure. I must therefore rule that the matter is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment.

Mr. Ferris

Though I am not questioning your ruling, I want to say that by inneundo especially in view of the statement by the Leader of the Opposition here on this subject yesterday, by dissociating his party from this incident that by remaining silent, the public might assume that I or any member of the Labour Party was involved in any way in this flag burning incident. I want to refute that. In regard to any utterances that have been made by members of my party — many of us have adopted different attitudes on this problem of the visit of the President. I realise this may be out of order — the chairman of my party, Senator Michael D. Higgins, was at pains to explain that he never at any stage wanted to show any disrespect to or have any objections to or any controversy with the American people and would not——

An Cathaoirleach

This is completely out of order.

Mr. Ferris

——condone the burning of the American flag nor would any member of my Oireachtas party condone it.

An Cathaoirleach

I have to ask you to resume your seat.

Mr. Ferris

That would be insulting the American people. I regret the inference that this situation might have been created because of the manner in which it was raised in the other House. I wanted to explain the position. I am sorry Senator Higgins' motion to clarify the situation was not allowed.