I have notice from Senator David Norris regarding a motion he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I call on Senator Norris 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:
That Seanad Éireann calls upon the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dick Spring, to make urgent representation to the Indonesian authorities on behalf of the 33 Indonesian students, members of a Timorese action group legally recognised by the Indonesian authorities, who today entered the Austrian Embassy in Dajkarta in an attempt to have discussions with the UN representative dealing with Timorese matters.
I make this request in light of the strong interest taken in the fate of the Timorese people by the Tánaiste, both Houses of the Oireachtas and the Irish people. Whatever the Chair's decision is, I will respect it and I hope that the Minister for Foreign Affairs will take this matter on board in his usual clear and direct manner.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris. I cannot consider it to be a matter contemplated under Standing Order 29. I regret I have to rule it out of order.
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his ruling. I am sure the House will have an opportunity to discuss this important matter in the next few days.