Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Before we move on to No.1, I have received a request from Senator O'Toole to adjourn the Seanad under Standing Order 29.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I am disheartened by the Cathaoirleach's saying, "Before we move on to No. 1," as my proposal is to deal with the following matter now. I request that the Seanad adjourn under Standing Order 29 to debate what is the greatest no-brainer in transport policy since the closure of the Harcourt Street line. We will look back on this day with the same incredulity in years to come. I propose that we debate this urgent and sudden matter. It is sudden because it was only announced yesterday that the CIE board would make a decision today on closing railway lines. We must debate it because if lines are closed, it will mean that bringing Esso oil from the North Wall in Dublin to Ballina will put 75 tankers on the road; Guinness kegs will be hauled by road from Dublin to Galway, Ballina, Claremorris and Cork, and 100 extra lorries will work seven days a week to transport the beet crop. It is outrageous considering the danger and overcrowding that it will bring to the roads and the congestion to the economy—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator does not need to go into his case in detail now.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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There is no case to support this.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I hope the Cathaoirleach recognises that I am seeking to express the views of this House, both sides of which wish to address this issue. Not all the wisdom resides on this side. I want to hear the views of my colleagues on the other side also.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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We cannot allow this matter to pass unnoticed. We are still awaiting the report of the review group established by the then Minister for Public Enterprise, now here as a Senator. I know that she supports a debate on the matter.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I am eager to debate it.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I make it clear that all Members on this side support Senator O'Toole and ask the Cathaoirleach to support his request.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator is out of order and must resume his seat. Having giving consideration to the matter raised by Senator O'Toole, I do not consider it to be one contemplated under Standing Order 29 and regret that I must rule it out of order.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I inform the House that I am requesting the Minister for Transport to come to the House during Government time next week to debate the issue.