I have had notice from Senator Costello regarding a motion which he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on Senator Costello 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 death of a young woman yesterday in the women's prison in Mountjoy. The reason for this motion was reasonably aired on the Order of Business. There are considerable agreement on its importance and urgency, that it was an appalling situation that a young woman would die in one of our prisons as were the deaths that have occurred in our prisons quite appalling. Also, it was mentioned by the Leader of the House that the matter could be raised under Standing Order 29 which is precisely what I have done. It had been mentioned previously by Senator Manning.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator has raised the issue that there might be time during the discussion on the Marine Institute Bill——
I suggested it would be appropriate in those circumstances that the matter be debated.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That matter was decided on the Order of Business. I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Costello. I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated under Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, I have to rule out of order.
Why, if there is time in the House today cannot we debate a matter of this nature?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That matter was decided on the Order of Business at 2.30 p.m. The Order of Business was agreed.
I know that but the Leader of the House indicated that it was appropriate to raise the matter under Standing Order 29. We had discussed it in the context of there being time.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Standing Order 29 is not a matter for the Leader of the House.
I would like to support Senator Costello.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I am afraid under this Standing Order the Senator cannot develop the point. I must call on Senator Norris to resume the debate on the Bill.
This is a very important item.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I must rule the Senator out of order.
I understood that Standing Orders were for very urgent matters. Surely this is a very urgent matter?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator is out of order. I am asking him to resume his seat.
It is an interesting indication of the precise degree of relevance of this Chamber to Irish life that we find it more urgent to develop the protection of fish species than to protect the lives of individual citizens. I would like to add my voice to those who feel in this Chamber that we have a moral duty to discuss this very important matter. I have moved a motion under Standing Order 29 on some of the earlier suicides, I deplore the fact that we are more worried about the state of fish species——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
We are not discussing that matter now. I ask the Senator to speak to the Bill.
In that case, in deference to your ruling, I will get back to the Marine Institute Bill.