Before I call on the next speaker, Senator Robinson, as I have to give a ruling in four minutes and I would not like to interrupt the Senator, I have notice from Senator Joe O'Toole regarding a motion which he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call Senator O'Toole to give notice of his motion.
Request Under Standing Order 29.
I would like to propose that the House should adjourn to discuss the devastating effect of the cuts proposed in the Government's economic strategy as outlined yesterday. The implications for people all over Ireland make it absolutely relevant and definite that this House should give time to discuss it. I would like to just focus for one moment on how they will affect just one small area of the public service, that is, the area of education.
Senator O'Toole I want the exact wording of what you are asking me to rule on. I do not want explanatory pieces added to that.
I would like the House to adjourn on the basis of discussing the effects of the Government's economic strategies as outlined yesterday in the publication of the Book of Estimates, how they affect every person in this island in the area of education, whether they attend school at primary, post-primary, third level, or adult community education; in the health services at all levels; right through each Government Department. We have seen an abnegation of the Government's duty towards the citizens of the State. Not only should this House discuss it, but it has a clear duty and responsibility to speak out against what it finds unacceptable——
Senator O'Toole, you are making a speech again. I have read what is before me and I have made my ruling on it. I will not allow Senator O'Toole to make a speech. I will give my ruling. Before I give it, I would like Senator O'Toole to sit down. I have considered carefully the matter raised by Senator O'Toole and I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I, regret, therefore, that I have to rule it out of order.
I do not accept that ruling. The ruling has not been given in the best interests of the House or in the best interests of the Members of the House and certainly not in the best interests of the people we hope to represent here.
I would like Senator O'Toole to accept my ruling. Whether it is right or wrong, it is I who have ruled as Cathaoirleach. If you would like to talk about it in my office, we will talk about it, but I have ruled. You have to accept the rulings of the Chair. With the greatest respect to Senator O'Toole, for ten years I have been a Senator, all my rulings are absolutely fair, regardless of who is in or out of Government. I want to make that clear. There are rules laid down for me also as Cathaoirleach that I have to adhere to. I make a ruling on Standing Order 29 when you state what the request is and when I have given my ruling, that is it.
I think I am at least entitled to know why that ruling was given and where the precedent for that particular ruling comes from.
I have said I will be in my office until 10 o'clock or 12 o'clock tonight.
It shows a lack of courage by this House that it refuses to discuss a matter of such singular importance.
We do not debate rulings by the Chair in the House.