Earlier today, Senator Brendan Ryan raised the matter of the freeing of Nicky Kelly. You ruled him out of order under Standing Order 29. We have had discussions since with the Cathaoirleach and I agree that under that Standing Order the Cathaoirleach was quite correct even though I feel that the Seanad should get together at some stage and have a discussion to see can we get the rules of this House changed so that matters which are of importance to the House can be discussed, in other words, that we can get Standing Order 29 changed.
Business of Seanad.
I agree with that sentiment as it is a matter of some urgency.
It is not proper to raise the matter in this way. However, it should be brought to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
In the circumstances it is proposed to adjourn for tea from 6 p. m. to 7 p. m. It is hardly worthwhile starting on the next amendment.
Does Senator McGuinness agree?
It is hardly worth while my starting now. If I just move the adjournment would that be best?
I should explain to the House that, in anticipation of an adjournment from 6 p. m. to 7 p. m., certain arrangements were made which involved the Ministers of State who were delegated to deal with this matter. There would not be a Minister of State available between 6 p. m. and 7 p. m. I note that at an earlier occasion when that happened during the evening, quite properly, the House went into a short adjournment interval. It would be proper for us to adjourn from 6 p. m. to 7 p. m. It is customary to take a tea break in any case. It is important for the next amendment that there would be some Minister present.
I would be perfectly agreeable to that. I am not protesting about that at all. I am merely saying that it is hardly worthwhile my starting at 5. 55 p. m. Perhaps the best thing would be just to adjourn.
Is it intended then that we sit tomorrow?
In the event of items Nos. 2 and 3 not being completed it is intended to sit tomorrow. If Nos. 2 and 3 are completed this evening it is not intended to sit tomorrow. It is as simple as that.
May I ask the Leader of the House for the second time when the Shannon Airport Development Company Bill is to be taken?
The Shannon Free Airport Development Company (Amendment) Bill will be taken at the start of business on the next sitting day.
Tomorrow?
Either tomorrow, or next Wednesday, depending on the progress on items Nos. 2 and 3.
I would like to ask the Leader of the House does he appreciate the cost to Shannon Development in money terms in the delay of a week with this Bill?
That does not arise at this stage. Has the House agreed to suspend the sitting?
If we are not sitting tomorrow may I take up the Coole Hospital——
That does not arise. I ruled on that already today.
In that event, perhaps we might be able to take it up on the next sitting day.
I will talk to the Senator later.
Sitting suspended at 6 p.m. and resumed at 7 p.m.
- An Bille um an Ochtú Leasú ar an mBunreacht, 1982: An Tuarascáil (Atógáil). Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1982: Report Stage (Resumed).
- Ar ais chuig clár ábhair
- An Bille um an Ochtú Leasú ar an mBunreacht, 1982: An Tuarascáil (Atógáil). Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1982: Report Stage (Resumed).