I have notice from Senator Ross regarding a motion he wishes to raise under Standing Order 30. I call Senator Ross to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30.
I wish to raise under Standing Order 30 an important matter of public interest, namely that Seanad Éireann discuss the latest crisis in Irish banking. We have seen today, particularly from the Fianna Fáil benches, an obvious desire for a serious discussion on what is a completely new dimension in the Irish banking industry. We have seen all-party concern about the matter. It is almost a national emergency. The cancer of this banking crisis has now spread outside the area of Anglo Irish Bank. I ask that you, a Chathaoirligh, consider this as a serious matter that should be discussed immediately by Seanad Éireann.
I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by the Senator, which I do not consider to be contemplated by Standing Order 30. I regret, therefore, that I must rule it out of order.
If the nation was in a state of war would you have the same verdict?
What is a national emergency?
I judge each one as it comes before me.
Okay. We will declare war then.