Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have notice from Senator Norris regarding a motion he wishes to raise under Standing Order 29. I call Senator Norris to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.

David Norris (Independent)
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I request that the House be adjourned under Standing Order 29 to debate the need for the Government to take immediate steps to resolve the dangerous and confrontational situation between Irish Ferries and its shipboard employees as it is a matter of urgent national importance. We have witnessed the entrance of hired thugs on to the ship in question and the maintenance of a vigil by the crew on board the ship. Attempts to register the ship under a different flag have also been made. This issue has been ruled a matter of national importance in the other House.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris, which I do not consider to be contemplated by Standing Order 29. I regret, therefore, that I have had to rule it out of order.

David Norris (Independent)
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I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his ruling but it makes a farce of the business of the House and the Standing Orders. It is ludicrous that a matter can be considered a national emergency in the other House but not in this House. The idea that careful consideration is being given to the matter is nonsense. A similar situation arose previously when I raised a matter and was informed that it was not a matter of national importance. Thirty minutes later, the then Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, stated in the other House that it was a matter of national importance. Could an inquiry be held into the space-time continuum as it affects Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann because they appear to operate on two different planets?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Standing Orders in Seanad Éireann differ from those in Dáil Éireann. A recent amendment to Standing Order 29 means that a matter can only be raised under the Standing Order if it has arisen suddenly. The matter to which Senator Norris refers arose last week and can be raised in different ways other than Standing Order 29.