Vol. 116 No. 3
I have notice from Senator John A. Murphy that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The pressure extended by the Government on the national broadcasting service to change the balance of its coverage on the present Referendum campaign.
I regret that I have to rule that this matter is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the grounds of lack of ministerial responsibility.
I regret that I find your decision extraordinary because I have some experience of raising matters on the Adjournment and I have come to know the kind of matters that are not regarded as suitable. In this instance a matter of grave public concern has not been given the discussion it deserves. It seems to me that ministerial responsibility is absolutely crystal clear. I find your judgment extraordinary and, with great respect, politically suspect.
Senator Murphy, if this is going to be your attitude to me as Cathaoirleach during this term of this Seanad, my only immediate comment on your last remark is that it is sad, that is the only word I should use. As regards my ruling, as Cathaoirleach of a former Seanad and four years as Leas-Chathaoirleach when my esteemed predecessor was ill I acted as Cathaoirleach and never was I accused of taking sides with any political party on the floor of this Seanad.
I have made my ruling and you can speak again — which you should not be allowed to do — when I have just explained to you why my ruling was made. The ruling was not made on political grounds or to protect any Minister of any Cabinet. Everyone has the right to object to any broadcast of anything on our broadcasting system as individuals and that was all that Minister did. The authority has the full responsibility.
They thought it was ignored in this instance.
And I have made my ruling now.
If he called in the RTE executives, how much clearer could you get a case of ministerial responsibility and therefore suitability of this motion for discussion? I must say, with respect, that this Chamber is not a mutual congratulation society as it seems to have been since we convened on the first day. This is a serious Chamber where I have every right to bring up these matters.
