Thank you for giving me an opportunity to ask for the adjournment of the Seanad to discuss the provision of natural gas and to ask the Minister for Enegry to make a statement on the provision of natural gas to Kilkenny for industrial and household use. The reason I do this is because there has been a continuing problem regarding the provision of natural gas to various towns throughout Ireland. In Kilkenny there is a company which has been providing gas for over 100 years and which now has to keep up with technology and change.
Request Under Standing Order 29.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator will appreciate that I have to make a ruling on it.
I am asking the Minister for Energy to make a statement regarding the provision of natural gas to various cities and towns throughout the country. Most of our energy is imported. We could change our balance of payments.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by the Senator and as I do not consider it as a matter comtemplated by Standing Order 29 I regret, therefore, I have to rule it out of order.
I have to abide by the ruling of the Chair but if the provision of natural gas, our only native source of commercial natural energy is not allowed to be given to towns such as Clonmel, cities such as Kilkenny and Limerick——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I cannot have you question my ruling.
I am not questioning the Chair's ruling.
Complete disrespect for the Chair.
All the Senator wants is to get more gas for Kilkenny.
(Interruptions.)
I am just listening to the laughing Senator from Donegal.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator should resume his seat.
I will but if we cannot, on a motion——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have made a ruling. I am in the Chair and do not need direction or help from Senator Loughrey.
I apologise if I seemed to be going against the Chair's ruling.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Senator McGuinness to continue on the Bill, without interruption.