I call on Senator Manning to give notice of the matter he wishes to raise under Standing Order 29.
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:
In view of the fact that the Minister for Agriculture and Food waited until the Dáil had risen yesterday before issuing his statement on the Goodman affair; in view of the fact that the Minister's statement has left many of the key issues unanswered and in view of the fact that this is the only House of the Oireachtas sitting today, we are asking for time for a special debate here today to allow the Minister answer the many questions still unresolved.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by the Senator. 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.
It is with great regret that I have to accept the ruling of the Leas-Chathaoirleach but I must enter a protest about that ruling. This is a matter of importance. There are many questions still unanswered and this is the place where they should be answered. There was considerable controversy yesterday evening and this morning about the unanswered questions in the statement by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. This House is in session and surely it is incumbent on the Minister to come here to allay public unease and disquiet over this matter. It is my belief that the judgment of the Leas-Chathaoirleach is not in the best interests of the House.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
On the contrary and the Chair would wish to firmly place on record the tradition of the House. Matters pertaining to the Dáil have never been a cause of concern here. Certainly, they have never been discussed and I do not think it appropriate that we should introduce this matter at this stage. The Senator is aware that it is a long standing rule of the House that the proceedings of the other House cannot be discussed here.
This does not have anything to do with the other House; it is a matter of public concern and controversy.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Chair appreciates that and while it may be a matter of public concern it is not, in my opinion, a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29.
On a point of order, we are going up a blind alley here. The relevant point is not that it is a matter for the Dáil or the Seanad——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The relevant point is that it is not a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I have given my ruling on this matter and I am not going to allow further discussion.
On a point of order, I should like to join Senator Manning in protesting at the decision of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, while accepting it, because it is a matter of such public disquiet that it is an insult to the House that the Minister should not be brought in to answer questions by Members.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
This is not a point of order; the Senator is questioning the ruling of the Chair. Will the Senator be kind enough to resume his seat?
I seek the guidance of the Chair as to how this matter could be raised before the Seanad goes into recess.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
If the Senator would like to call to my office after I leave the Chair I shall point out to him the appropriate Standing Order.