May I interrupt the Senator. I have to deal with a matter under Standing Order 29. I have had notice from Senator Avril Doyle regarding a motion which she wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on Senator Doyle to give notice of the motion before I give my 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 critical problems caused to all sectors, rural and urban by recent storms on our coastline and inland, the lack of Government response, the totally inadequate emergency moneys offered by Brussels.
I wish to move this motion because of the constant battering this country has taken from storms since 16 December 1989 to date. I urge that my motion be allowed for discussion today. I accept that the Government announced an action plan or an interdepartmental committee, but we are always an action plan away from action. Local authorities need money. They are no longer financially autonomous; they are funded from the central Exchequer. Maritime local authorities get no extra funding for protecting the coastline, over and above inland local authorities. This type of coastal defence work must be made a national charge, to protect the great natural resource that is our coastline. The whole issue of flooding needs discussing in this House. With farmers' livelihoods at risk and lives at risk generally because of storm damage and flooding, we must devote time to debate this matter here today.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I cannot allow the Senator to make a speech. I have given careful consideration to this. I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, I have to rule it out of order.
Could I ask you to submit my motion for the Adjournment tomorrow, please?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I will consider this.