May I interrupt the Senator for a matter of urgent public importance? I have had notice from Senator Maurice Manning regarding a motion which he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on him to give notice to his motion before I give a ruling.
Request Under Standing Order 29.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I wish to move a motion for the adjournment of the Seanad on a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, The matter being that: "In view of the imminent collapse of a significant section of our tourist industry because of the crisis caused by the rod licence controversy, Seanad Eireann calls on the Minister for the Marine to open meaningful dialogue with various interested parties as a matter of extreme national urgency."
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Manning and I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by standing Order 29. Therefore, I very much regret that I have no option but to rule it out of order.
I should have said I want to be associated in this motion which has been jointly moved by Senator Padraic McCormack. I am afraid I have greatly to regret your decision. I think it is not in the best interest of this House or, indeed, of the people affected. Under every single word of Standing Order 29, this is a specific matter, it is an important matter and is a matter of public interest, and it does require urgent consideration. Whole sections of our tourist industry——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That may be so, but a ruling has been made.
This situation has been brought to a head in the last couple of days by the confrontational attitude of the Government who have not made any attempt to speak in a meaningful and real way or to open proper dialogue with the people concerned. I greatly regret your——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator cannot make a speech on it at this time.
You have been unfair. This is an important matter. Normally you are a reasonable person, but you are being highly unreasonable in the attitude you are taking this morning, and I must say I greatly regret it.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator will agree that the matter has been ruled out in the other House and therefore, it is not possible for the Chair to allow it here.
I represent the West Galway constituency. This is a very serious matter. I am raising this point now because when I was here on 18 December, the House was misled by the Minister when he said——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Chair has made a ruling on the matter and it is not possible to have a discussion on it at this time.
I very much regret it, and I want that to go on the record. Representing the Galway constituency where this is a matter of life or death at this stage with some people——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
It is not possible to have a discussion on that.
I feel so strongly about this that I am prepared to go so far as to have the business of this House disrupted in order to deal with this——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I ask the Senator to resume his seat. There is nothing the Chair can do.
As a representative of the people of the area I must make a protest. This is the only opportunity I have for making a protest——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator must resume his seat.
The House was seriously misled on 18 December when the Minister assured us——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator must resume his seat, because the ruling has been given. While I might agree with some of the sentiments expressed, it is quite clear that the subject matter of the question raised is not one that can be contemplated under section 29.
Where do I make my protest?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
In addition, the matter is sub judice. It is the long standing procedure of the House that matters which are sub judice cannot be discussed in the House.
What can I do about it?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The other House has ruled this matter out of order. I ask the Senator to resume his seat.
I must do something for the people whose livelihood is being affected. There are people in Galway who cannot live with this situation any longer. I must do something for those people.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
It is not possible to debate it at this stage.
I must make a protest——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
You cannot make it here.
I am making it here.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
If the Senator does not resume his seat I will be left with no option but to suspend the sitting.
Do whatever you have to, but I also will do what I have to, and I have to protest on behalf of the people who are being absolutely ruined——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I will ask the Acting Leader of the House to move the suspension of the sitting, which I very much regret having to do.
I very much regret it too, but I have to make this protest——
I move: "That the House be suspended for five minutes."
Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 11.50 a.m. and resumed at 11.55 a.m.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I am calling item No. 2, Senator Fitzsimons.
On a point of information, does that mean I may not comment further?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I am calling Senator Fitzsimons to continue on item No. 2 The Senator will have an opportunity to speak on item No. 2 if he so desires. The Report on Our National Heritage is before the House and the Chair must ensure that the debate——
I regretfully accept you ruling.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I appreciate your position. Senator Fitzsimons to continue on item No. 2.