I apologise for interrupting the Minister, but I have had notice from Senator O'Toole regarding a motion he wishes to raise under Standing Order 29. I call on the Senator to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request to Move Adjournment of Seanad under Standing Order 29.
In the past 24 hours I have been provided with information that has led me to request a motion for the adjournment of the House on a specific and important matter, namely, the crisis in Marino Institute of Education. It appears that the operation of the board and the conduct of its members has resulted in a legal fiasco. I wish the House to examine to role of the Svengali-like figures on the legal committee of the board who pushed the institute into taking a disastrous legal action that has cost so much money that the normal work of the institute cannot continue. The role of the person who said that the institute was sitting on 38 acres of prime land in north Dublin, it should get back to work and then set up a meeting of the board in an office of Treasury Holdings must be analysed. I feel these matters need to be discussed. This man is a former chairman of one of the docks operations.
Senator O'Toole is only required to give notice of the motion.
I want to make two points to help the Cathaoirleach make up his mind. I came across an e-mail to members of the board that included the words "slowly, slowly, catchy monkey". It was sent by this man, Dermod Dwyer——
It is not in order to mention individuals outside the House by name.
——which makes it clear that there was a planned campaign of harassment, bullying and intimidation to force the resignation of a fantastic educator and leader. This attitude of getting rid of people who are in the way is not acceptable.
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator O'Toole and do not consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, that I must rule it out of order.
I am disappointed and I hope the Cathaoirleach will reconsider.
I am not surprised.