May I interrupt the Senator to call on Senator Manning who has given notice that he intends to raise a matter of urgent public importance at 4 p.m. and I apologise to him for being slightly behind the time?
Request under Standing Order 29.
An Leas-Chathaoireach
I want to thank Senator Mooney for giving way. Under Standing Order 29, I wish to move for the Adjournment of the Seanad on a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, the matter being the need for immediate clarification from the Department of the Taoiseach and the Office of Public Works on the reported illegal removal from this country of £12 million worth of historical and archaeological artefacts, to ensure that all steps are being taken to have these artefacts recovered and to have assurance that the full rigour of the law will be used to ensure the enforcement of the National Monuments Acts, 1987.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Chair has given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Manning. I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, I have to rule the matter out of order.
I also regret that you have had to refuse this motion. It is a matter of very urgent public importance. Grave disquiet has been aroused about it and at the very least we should expect clarification on the matter. However, I want to give notice that when the Seanad meets tomorrow morning I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That is the Senator's privilege and perhaps you will give notice to the Chair if you are so doing. I thank the Senator for his co-operation. I call on Senator Mooney.