Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I have received notice from Senator Bannon that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the criteria for the processing and confirming of grant applications under the equal opportunities child care programme and the current status of capital funding under this programme.

I have also received notice from Senator Kitt of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on the issue of the three-year cap on community employment schemes.

I have also received notice from Senator Brian Hayes of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health and Children to make a statement on the proposal to close Peamount Hospital.

I have also received notice from Senator John Paul Phelan of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to outline whether each regional tourism authority has been given its full marketing budget for 2004; and the way in which the amount for 2004 compares to that for the previous year.

I regard the matter raised by Senators Bannon, Kitt and Hayes as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. I regret that I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Phelan as the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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On a point of order——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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There cannot be a point of order at this stage.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I have not said anything yet.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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No decision has been made.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I want to make a point about the Standing Orders of the House. I am not referring to the Leader. Has the Chair given consideration to making a ruling on the case in County Kerry last week——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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No, that is not a point of order.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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May I complete my point? I am only trying to be helpful.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not a point of order. Please, Senator——

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Chair to give consideration to ensuring due process. He should make a ruling because people in other Houses are beginning to make public comments on this matter. This House——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Let me explain, please. What happens in other Houses has nothing to do with us.

While the Chair recognises that this matter raises issues of administration which are of public importance, I remind Members that, in order to protect the interests of this House in any future role it may have in this matter, they should refrain from making references which could prejudice the position of the Seanad.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Thank you. That is exactly what I asked the Chair to say.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I would have said it on the Order of Business anyway.