I have received notice from Senator Trevor West that, on the motion for the adjournment of the House tonight, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The decision of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to channel all state funds for veterinary education to University College Dublin, as from 1976.
My consideration of this matter had to take into account the fact that matters allowed under this procedure have been essentially of an administrative nature. Matters substantially of a policy nature have not been allowed on the grounds that under the procedure of Standing Order 25 the scope for discussion is very limited and no decision on the matters raised may be taken by the House. Such matters have been considered more appropriate for discussion on a substantive motion.
My understanding of the matter raised by Senator West is that it is an important policy matter and I therefore must rule that it is inappropriate to be allowed under Standing Order 25.