Seanad debates
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Requests to move Adjournment of Seanad under Standing Order 30
11:20 am
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I have received notice from Senator Jillian van Turnhout of a motion she wishes to raise under Standing Order 30. I call on her to state the motion of which she has given notice before I give my ruling.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The issue I am raising which we debated on the Order of Business is contemplated under Standing Order 30 because it is an important matter of public interest which has arisen suddenly. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs should come before the House to address the concerns raised by many Members about the child protection issues that arise as a result of-----
Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Just move it.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Senator van Turnhout should state her case briefly.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
This is about the restoration of public confidence. I do not often call on the Minister to come to the House, but she has to come today.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I have given very careful consideration to the motion the Senator has put before me. However, the restrictive nature of Standing Order 30 means that it is confined to a matter of public interest that has arisen suddenly. I cannot deem this issue to have arisen suddenly as it has been in the public domain for a number of weeks. It was flagged by RTE, has been the subject of parliamentary questions and raised in this House on numerous occasions.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We did not know the extent of the problem until the footage was seen last night.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
This issue can be raised effectively in numerous other ways. An all-party motion could be tabled, for example, or an amendment to the Order of Business could be proposed. Therefore, I am ruling the motion out of order under Standing Order 30.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
With respect, I do not agree and would like to call a vote.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
There can be no vote.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I strongly disagree with the Chair's ruling. The footage was exposed on television last night.
Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We could agree to a cross-party motion.
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
It is an issue which has arisen suddenly.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Will the Senator, please, resume her seat?
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I read the Standing Order very carefully before I tabled my request.
Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Cathaoirleach has said we could move a cross-party motion. Will he clarify the position?
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The issue can be raised in several ways other than by way of Standing Order 30.
Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
While the ruling is disappointing, we can move forward with a cross-party motion.