Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Jun 1960

Vol. 52 No. 14

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have received notice from Senator O'Quigley that, on the motion for the adjournment of the House tonight, he proposes to raise the following matter:—

"The failure of Coras Iompair Éireann, in view of the announcements in the public press to terminate certain, services on the Westland Row-Bray line and also to close certain stations to passenger traffic as from 13th June, 1960, to comply with the obligations imposed by Section 19 (3) of the Transport Act, 1958, namely, to publish notice of its intention in regard to those services in Iris Oifigiúil at least two months before the relevant date.”

I have ruled that this matter is not in order for discussion on the Motion for the Adjournment as there is no Ministerial responsibility involved.

The Senator has been communicated with in the matter.

Mr. O'Quigley

Arising out of your ruling, Sir, am I in order in asking if the Chair has considered whether the Attorney General, who has the Constitutional responsibility for asserting and defending public rights, would not have a duty to proceed by way of injunction in the court to restrain Coras lompair Éireann from committing a breach of its statutory obligations? Would the Chair consider my motion in the light of that responsibility of the Attorney General? I concede that perhaps there is no Ministerial responsibility but responsibility does rest in the Attorney General to assert and defend public rights, which in this case are being contravened.

An Cathaoirleach

The Chair has considered the matter fully from the point of view of order in this House. Because of that consideration, I have ruled the motion out of order.