Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1985

Vol. 107 No. 8

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Rory Kiely, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The hardship caused to social welfare recipients due to the postal strike in Limerick.

I also received notice from Senator Mark Killilea of the following matter:

The decision by the Government not to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade to be held in New York.

I also received notice from Senator John Ellis of the following matter:

The question of the acquisition of the Dixon estate, Tawley, County Leitrim, by the Land Commission.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Kiely and Killilea as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I regret that I have to rule the matter raised by Senator Ellis is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground of lack of ministerial responsibility. I have selected Senator Kiely's motion for today's Adjournment and it will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senator Killilea may give notice for another day of the matter he wishes to raise.

Mr. Ellis

I put down this question for the Adjournment because there does not appear to be anybody responsible for what outside interests are doing to the farming community. This is a case of an outsider coming in and acquiring a large farm in the heart of a congested area. Every farmer in that area has only 20 acres yet an outsider is allowed to come in and buy the only large farm in the area.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will have to resume his seat.

Mr. Ellis

This land was acquired by the Land Commission previously and now they are backing out.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will have to resume his seat.

Mr. Killilea

It is the truth. On a point of order, regarding the motion that the Cathaoirleach has ruled on — I want to thank the Chair for accepting my motion because it is a factual one — the Cathaoirleach may not have taken into account that St. Patrick's Day, 17 March, is close to us and I might not get an opportunity to raise the matter because of the time limit attached to my motion.

An Cathaoirleach

I took everything into account.

Mr. Killilea

If the Seanad finishes its work tonight, St. Patrick's Day will be upon us and my motion will fall by the wayside.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will get an opportunity——

Mr. Killilea

I always respect your ruling and I respect this one too, but I want to comment on it.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will find it is fair.

Mr. Killilea

It is a terrible insult to our exiles that on the allegation that the Grand Master of the St. Patrick's Day parade supports Noraid——

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will have to resume his seat.

Mr. Killilea

The Government are insulting our exiles again on their great day in New York. It is a scandal. It is the lowest form of appreciation by them.

An Cathaoirleach

I will adjourn the House if the Senator does not resume his seat.