Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 May 1987

Vol. 116 No. 2

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Brian O'Shea that, on the motion for the adjournment of the House to-day, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The crisis which has arisen in the County and City Infirmary, Waterford, because of the proposed cutbacks in the 1987 allocation to the hospital.

I also received notice from Senator Dan Kiely of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Tourism, in these years of economic difficulties, to ensure maximum potential and earnings in the lucrative and job creating tourism industry.

I also received notice from Senator Patrick Kennedy of the following matter:

The closure of hospitals and the reduction in staff in the Mid-Western Health Board area.

I also received notice from Senator John Connor of the following matter:

That the Minister for Health ensure the continued existence of Roscommon County Hospital with all its existing services and that he categorically reject the proposal to close part or all of this hospital.

I also received notice from Senator Katharine Bulbulia of the following matter:

That the Minister for Education give her considered opinion on the Bannon report commissioned by Waterford Chamber of Commerce which deals with the extension of third level education in Waterford and the south east region.

My decision on the matters raised by Senator O'Shea, Senator Kennedy and Senator Connor is dependent on whether the Seanad orders Item No. 3 as part of today's business. If it does so, the matters raised by the Senators would be regarded as repetitious of debate, and I would have to disallow them. In that case I would allow the matter raised by Senator Dan Kiely on the adjournment this evening. If the House does not order Item No. 3 I will allow the matter raised by Senator O'Shea.

I regret I have to rule that the matter raised by Senator Bulbulia is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground that the Minister for Education does not have responsibility for a private report such as the Bannon report.

Mr. O'Shea

Concerning the motion I had down for the Adjournment, you gave me an undertaking at the previous Seanad meeting that you would take it.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator O'Shea, I did not exactly say on the opening day that I would take your motion first today. That is not the way motions are taken. I said that if the Seanad does not take Item No. 3 on the Clár this afternoon, or tonight, or tomorrow, I will than take your motion. I have not said that I am not taking Senator O'Shea's motion. What I am saying is that Item No. 3 is nearly identical. If it is taken and there is a three hour debate, that will certainly give you a chance.

Mr. O'Shea

A Chathaoirligh——

An Cathaoirleach

I have made my ruling and I need not go on in this way at all. I do not want unhappiness today as it is our first day here. We do not necessarily take motions from the previous sitting. We will see if the Seanad is debating Item No. 3 and, if it is not, we will take your motion tonight Senator O'Shea.

Mr. O'Shea

It is specific and there is a profile from the particular hospital with the Minister awaiting decision. I have given undertakings to people that this would be the first motion on the Adjournment. I am being ruled out of order before the Order of Business has been decided on. I am not being given the opportunity that was indicated to me at the last Seanad meeting would be given.

An Cathaoirleach

As you are a new Senator I do not like to upset or cross you but I have made my ruling.

Mr. O'Shea

I would like to register the fact that I am very disappointed by your ruling because this is a very important issue concerning a hospital that has had a 24 per cent cut in its allocation.

An Cathaoirleach

We cannot discuss this. The Leader of the House on the Order of Business.

Mr. Connor

Like Senator O'Shea I want to raise a matter on the Adjournment and I am afraid I cannot understand your ruling. The question I raised is of specific——

An Cathaoirleach

The Leader of the House with today's business.

Mr. Connor

I have raised a matter of a specific nature. The item you over-ruled me on is one of a general nature so I protest, a Chathaoirligh.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Lanigan.

Mr. J. O'Toole

May I make a different point, as a new Senator. I suppose gods make their own importance. The university Senators have a serious problem at the moment which I believe is the responsibility of this House and in a sense your own responsibility. We now find that accommodation has been sorted out for every Member of the House and every party member of the House except the group of Independents. We feel that it is intolerable that it should be let go this long. There are those of us with a vested interest in getting ourselves organised.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator O'Toole, it is not my business as Cathaoirleach to deal with accommodation. I understand that is the responsibility of the Whips. I want to make it quite clear to you, as a new Senator, that we have massive accommodation now compared with what we had eight or ten years ago. Please do not expect everything to happen just right for you in a fortnight. I say that with the greatest of respect. If you are not happy with how the Whips deal with accommodation, I will gladly help you out then Senator O'Toole.

Mr. J. O'Toole

Thank you. You do understand my keenness——

An Cathaoirleach

I do but the keenness could be knocked out of you soon here as well.

Mr. McMahon

The university group are not the only group who are unhappy with the accommodation. We have a room where there are 11 Senators expected to operate and many of them without telephones on their desks. We work in a party room where party meetings are held. I wonder if it is as bad as that for the university group.

Mr. J. O'Toole

On a point of information, our accommodation has been halved from two rooms to one room and there are three extra people using it. Just for the record.

An Cathaoirleach

I have said that if the Whips cannot deal with it within the next few days I will then try to help. There is only a certain amount of accommodation. Senator McMahon knows that if I can help, as Cathaoirleach, I will.