Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Oct 2005

Vol. 181 No. 12

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

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

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to give an update on the present position on water and sewerage schemes in Ballygar, County Galway, in light of the health considerations of the people of Ballygar.

I have also received notice from SenatorCummins of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to address the cessation of farm plastic collections and ensure adequate funding is put in place to enable the recycling of this waste.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and they will be taken at the conclusion of business.

Mr. B. Hayes

On a point of order, the Cathaoirleach is blessed as he did not hear the Ranelagh version of the Gettysburg address during the course of Private Members' business last night.

An Cathaoirleach

That is not a point of order.

Mr. B. Hayes

My point of order relates to Standing Order 31. A ruling was given by the Leas-Chathaoirleach that no limitation is placed on the length of time a member of the Government can address the Seanad during Private Members' time. I read Standing Order 31 this morning and, as the Cathaoirleach is well aware, it contains no such ruling. There was a gross abuse of Private Members' time last night, which is a matter of concern for all Members of this House.

An Cathaoirleach

We will not discuss this matter. A meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will be held today and this matter would be more appropriate to it.

Mr. B. Hayes

Could the Cathaoirleach clarify the issue and state whether there is a time limitation? It is quite clear from the Standing Order.

An Cathaoirleach

I cannot clarify that at this time.

Mr. B. Hayes

Standing Order 31 makes it abundantly clear that the Cathaoirleach has absolute discretion in informing Members of this House and Members of the Lower House about the length of time for which they should speak.

An Cathaoirleach

Today's meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges would be a more appropriate forum in which to discuss this matter.

Mr. B. Hayes

A total of 40 minutes of repetition was unfair, not just to the House but to the many people who wanted to contribute to the debate and could not.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator should resume his seat.

Mr. B. Hayes

This issue must be clarified by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges today in order that all members of the Government are aware that rules apply to everybody speaking in this House.

An Cathaoirleach

As I have explained, this is a matter for the CPP.