I have had notice from Senator Manning regarding a motion which he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I now call on Senator Manning to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request under Standing Order 29.
Acting Chairman
Before doing so, might I compliment the two Senators on the admirable reports they have given? I hope that this is the beginning of procedures in this House whereby people who observe elections for both Houses can report. I would compliment them on the restraint they have shown and, while Senator Ryan is not quite in the Chamber at the moment, I am not sure if the same restraint was always shown by those who supported the Sandinistas.
(Interruptions.)
I will be fair to Senator Ryan.
On a point of order, maybe the Leader of the Opposition would like to tell us how many of his own people were in the Chamber during that very interesting statement.
Acting Chairman
I do not think that is a point of order, with due respect. Could I ask Senator Manning if he would please give notice of motion under Standing Order 29?
My reference to Senator Ryan, I should say, was not to his being present or not present. I did not want to raise something as he was leaving the House and there is no reflection whatsoever was intended. He is an extremely good attender of the House and I did not want him to take it in that sense. It was the content of his remarks to which I was addressing myself. I know he will accept that.
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 unauthorised destruction of houses on Arran Quay, Dublin, and the urgent need to arrest this process until the full planning procedures are fulfilled.
Acting Chairman
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Manning. I do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29, as the Minister has no statutory responsibility in the matter. I regret, therefore, I have to rule it out of order.
I accept your ruling but I have to say I regret it because this a matter of most immediate urgency.
Acting Chairman
I am sure you will appreciate Senator, that I cannot make an exception in your case, having already ruled out further debate by Senator Ross.