I have received notice from Senator David Norris regarding a motion that he wishes to raise under Standing Order 30. I ask the Senator to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30.
I ask that the House be adjourned to discuss a matter of urgent national interest, namely, the destruction of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Equality Authority. I understand it is not possible for those supporting me to be named on the instrument, but I am being supported by Senators Frances Fitzgerald and Phil Prendergast. Everybody will agree this is a matter of national urgency, and the Government will pay a price for it. The issue has now hit the Joe Duffy show. The Minister who said——
(Interruptions).
The Senator has made his point. Having given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris, I cannot consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 30. I regret, therefore, that I have had to rule it out of order.
Could the Cathaoirleach give me some information as to what matters are considered by the Seanad to be of national urgency?
I can discuss the matter privately with the Senator.
I recall a day when one of the Chair's predecessors ruled that something was not a national emergency when, within hours of the debate, the Taoiseach was ruling it was, in the Dáil. Are we on a different planet? Why is the Standing Order not abolished altogether, for all the use it is?
In accordance with the Order of the House yesterday, the sitting should now suspend for 30 minutes. Does the Leader now propose a change?
I have been requested by the Minister and officials to allow 45 minutes from the time of leaving the House after Second Stage. I propose for the consideration and support of the Members that we adjourn until 3.15.
No. There will be no co-operation on this.
If Members have difficulty with that, we will revert to the proposal agreed to yesterday, a 30-minute suspension.
Sitting suspended at 2.40 p.m and resumed at 3.10 p.m.