I have notice from Senator David Norris regarding a motion which he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on Senator Norris to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request Under Standing Order 29.
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 serious implications of the recent judgment of Mr. Justice Hamilton and his criticism of both Houses of the Oireachtas for failing in their constitutional responsibility in the matter of the constituency review and the need for an immediate statement by the Government to reassure the public in the face of a widespread concern about the possibility of a serious constitutional crisis arising in the aftermath of a precipitous election.
A Chathaoirligh——
Resume your seat, Senator Cassidy. I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris and I do not consider it a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, I have to rule it out of order.
I wonder if I can ask for some further guidance because it is a matter of some puzzlement to me that something that has been described as a matter bringing about a constitutioanal crisis is not regarded as a matter of urgency.
Senator Norris, you can put down your own motion. I have ruled and that is the end of it.
Is there no method by which I can find out how these decisions are made?
I will talk to you in a hour's time in my office, Senator Norris.
Can matters under Standing Order 29 be taken any time during the discussions of the House or is there one specific time during the day?
It can be raised prior to 4.30 p.m.
It was taken in your absence.
I wish Senators would realise I know some of the rules of this House, and that goes for the other side as well as for the Government side.
With respect, Senator Farrell was on his feet and I just did not know the situation. I was trying to be helpful.
Senator, please resume your seat for a moment. I came into the Chair on time as I always do. Senator Farrell had resumed his seat and did not indicate to me he was continuing. There is no way I would dare cut any Senator off if I thought he had not concluded his contribution on any legislation. I looked around for a second and neither Senator Farrell nor any other Senator indicated to me he was going to contribute. I was also advised by the Clerk Assistant of the Seanad that Senator Farrell had concluded and the next thing Senator Lydon offered. We will resume Item No. 1. The Minister to conclude.
On a point of order, before you came we did indicate to the Senator who raised the previous question that all those matters were in the book of Standing Orders which is available to all Senators. I think we should have learned, and perhaps we will learn that the——
Senator O'Toole, it is not a point of order.
Of course it is. There is total disorder in this House this afternoon for the simple reason that the Government side——
Senator O'Toole, resume your seat please. We will resume item No. 1. The Minister to conclude.