I have notice from Senator O'Toole regarding a motion he wishes to raise under Standing Order 29. I call Senator O'Toole to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 29.
As Senators will be aware, Standing Order 29 was made to facilitate the House to urgently address matters that arise suddenly. The eagerly awaited report of the independent commission on electronic voting was issued this morning. Both Houses debated the issue of electronic voting and received incorrect information from the Government. As the commission has not been able to satisfy itself as to the accuracy and secrecy of the system, the software versions or the source code——
The Senator may not discuss the substance of the report.
I am making the case for the motion.
That is not permitted.
I understand under Standing Orders that I may state the reasons——
Standing Orders do not give the Senator a right to make a case. I have received notice of the motion and am aware of its contents.
It is my view, and I hope the Cathaoirleach will agree, that in light of the commission's conclusion that having regard to the issues of secrecy, accuracy and testing, it is unable to recommend the Government's proposal. The House has been misled on this issue on a number of occasions. It is crucial that we take an opportunity to discuss this matter, which has been discussed in the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and elsewhere. Dealing with a contemporary, topical urgent matter of general public concern enhances the relevance of the House. I hope the Cathaoirleach will concede and allow time to discuss the report.
I have not yet read the report.
It only runs to 22 pages, including the executive summary.
Order, please, I am making my ruling. I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator O'Toole, which I do not consider to be contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, that I have had to rule it out of order.
On a point of order——
There will be no debate.
That is the problem; there is no debate in either House of the Oireachtas. The Minister wasted €40 million.
Senator O'Toole to resume on No. 1.
While I regret the Cathaoirleach's decision I will, as always, accept it. I cannot recall where I was in my contribution on No. 1.
The Senator was mid-platitude.
I feel as if I have descended from Mount Vesuvius.
Order, please.