At this point before I call Senator Farrell, I have notice from Senator Ross regarding a motion which he wants to move under Standing Order 29. I call now on Senator Ross to give notice of the motion.
Request Under Standing Order 29.
Acting Chairman
It is with deep regret, because of the intransigence and unprecedented behaviour of the Government in this House in refusing to abide by the agreement made with the Independent Senators——
Acting Chairman
I ask you to confine yourself to the terms of the motion, please.
I wish to move with regret because of this breach of the agreement with the Independents, which is unprecedented, that this motion be taken, which I am about to read to you. It concerns the abolition of hanging and the Government's refusal to take the matter today. I would ask you when you are considering your ruling on this that you would realise that it is the first time that this procedure has ever been broken and that it is the only way it can be discussed in this House.
Acting Chairman
You have gone beyond the text of the motion and that is not in compliance with procedure. It has to be the motion only, nothing else.
I wish to move a motion for the Adjournment of the Seanad on a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration. The matter is: the Government's insistence of the retention of hanging. I move it because the Government today refused to discuss the issue and wish to retain hanging on the Statute Book.
Acting Chairman
You may not elaborate on the reasons for moving the motion. You just give notice of the motion. I have to rule on this. I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Ross and I do not consider it a matter contemplated by Standing Order 29. Therefore, I regret that I have to rule the motion out of order.
On a point of order, could you guide me then, having ruled this out of order — which of course is your entitlement — and the House having refused to discuss capital punishment, how the issue of capital punishment can be discussed in this House?
Acting Chairman
Yes. I suggest you put down a motion for the next sitting.
It will not be taken by the Government. There is no point in making suggestions of that kind as it will be refused.
Acting Chairman
Hopefully it will be considered with other items for debate in the House at a future date.