Before moving to Item 2, the European Parliament Elections Bill, 1993, I have received notice from Senator David Norris regarding a motion he wishes to move under Standing Order 29. I call on Senator Norris to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request under Standing Order 29.
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 need for the Minister for Defence to issue a statement concerning the court martial of two serving members of the Defence Forces for private consensual homosexual relations in an apparent defiance of the recent reforms enacted by the Oireachtas in this area.
The reason it is very significant is not even because of the specific nature of the matter but because it appears as if elements of the Army are coming into conflict with the directly and clearly expressed wishes of the Oireachtas. That is a very serious matter.
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris. I regret very much that I have to rule it out of order as it relates to a matter which is sub judice.
Thank you for your ruling, a Chathaoirligh, but when the matter is completed, if it is as I suspect, I shall attempt to raise it either by this means or another.