Before I call on a speaker for the Opposition, I have notice from Senator Bulbulia regarding a motion she wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on Senator Bulbulia to give notice of the motion before I give the Chair's 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 the need for the Minister for the Marine to respond with urgency to the recently announced decision of the North Europe US Atlantic Conference to delete Waterford as a designated tariff arbitrary port and to put a 10 per cent increase in tariffs on Irish exporters, these decisions to come into effect from 15 May 1989. I look forward to hearing what you have to say and your ruling on it, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Bulbulia. I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29 and I regret, therefore, that I have to rule the matter out of order.
I really must protest. I cannot understand why you do not feel it is not covered by Standing Order 29. It is extremely urgent. In view of the fact that it comes into effect on 15 May it means that, as and from now, people wishing to export from the port of Waterford will be considering other options, namely, Dublin, Cork and perhaps Belfast. They are engaged in forward planning and Waterford is extremely vulnerable in this situation and there is tremendous local concern and anxiety. It is for that reason that I wish to have it raised under Standing Order 29 and I would ask you to reconsider your decision.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I appreciate the points made by Senator Bulbulia but, as she said herself, the regulation does not come into effect until 15 May which gives the Senator adequate time to raise the matter in the normal procedure. For that reason it has been declared not a matter of urgency but the Chair will give every facility to the Senator to raise it under either the order for the Adjournment or a motion in the normal course of the House.
I would rise to support Senator Bulbulia because I believe that if this matter was raised under Standing Order 29 it would have much more impact and much more significance in the public consciousness than it can possibly have if we proceed along the lines which you have suggested we should proceed. Furthermore——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Chair has ruled, Senator, and, unfortunately, that is the end of that. There is no room for debate.
I hope it is not the end of Waterford.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I would certainly hope not and I am sure it will not be. Senator Bulbulia will have every opportunity to raise it in the normal way.
I thank you for your reply. I hope I would be given certain special consideration if I seek to raise this as a matter on the Adjournment. There is a queue established there, but in view of the urgency which I expressed I would hope to get certain special consideration.