I have notice from Senator Honan that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
To ask the Minister for Health to make an urgent statement on the implications for the ad hoc tribunal that a woman doctor whose plasma was used for the manufacture of anti-D was known since 1976 to have infectious hepatitis.
I have also received notice from Senator Fahey of the following matter:
To ask the Taoiseach if he will indicate when he hopes to honour the commitment made in writing to the Kylebeg/Knockferry bridge project that Fine Gael, when in Government, will make the necessary funds available to build the bridge across the Corrib.
I regard the matter raised by Senator Honan as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken at the conclusion of business. I regret that I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Fahey as the Taoiseach has no official responsibility to the Seanad in this matter.
I would like to clarify my ruling in relation to the motion raised by Senator Honan. Senator Honan with Senator Henry and Senator Finneran, raised this matter on the Order of Business last Thursday. Senator Honan gave notice at 10.20 a.m. of raising this matter. Senator Henry and Senator Finneran did not give any notice. The rules relating to matters before the courts and which would be sub judice requires 45 minutes' notice to the Chair if the matter is being raised on the Order of Business. Consequently there was not enough time in which to make proper inquiries into the matter and I initially felt that the matter was sub judice. Having had adequate time to consider the request on the Adjournment I have decided to allow the matter under the revised sub judice rule. I would ask Senator Honan to bear in mind that this matter is still before the courts and that in accordance with paragraph (3) of the revised rule, a matter should not be raised in such an overt manner as to appear to be an attempt by the Oireachtas to encroach on the functions of the courts or the Judiciary.