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Seanad Éireann - Volume 192 - 12 December, 2008 Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30. An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach 1161 [1161] An Cathaoirleach: I have received notice from Senator David Norris regarding a motion that he wishes to raise under Standing Order 30. I ask the Senator to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling. Senator David Norris Senator David Norris Senator David Norris: I ask that the House be adjourned to discuss a matter of urgent national interest, namely, the destruction of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Equality Authority. I understand it is not possible for those supporting me to be named on the instrument, but I am being supported by Senators Frances Fitzgerald and Phil Prendergast. Everybody will agree this is a matter of national urgency, and the Government will pay a price for it. The issue has now hit the Joe Duffy show. The Minister who said—— (Interruptions). An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach: The Senator has made his point. Having given careful consideration to the matter raised by Senator Norris, I cannot consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 30. I regret, therefore, that I have had to rule it out of order. Senator David Norris Senator David Norris Senator David Norris: Could the Cathaoirleach give me some information as to what matters are considered by the Seanad to be of national urgency? An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach: I can discuss the matter privately with the Senator. Senator David Norris Senator David Norris Senator David Norris: I recall a day when one of the Chair’s predecessors ruled that something was not a national emergency when, within hours of the debate, the Taoiseach was ruling it was, in the Dáil. Are we on a different planet? Why is the Standing Order not abolished altogether, for all the use it is? An Cathaoirleach An Cathaoirleach 1162 [1162] An Cathaoirleach: In accordance with the Order of the House yesterday, the sitting should now suspend for 30 minutes. Does the Leader now propose a change? Senator Donie Cassidy Senator Donie Cassidy Senator Donie Cassidy: I have been requested by the Minister and officials to allow 45 minutes from the time of leaving the House after Second Stage. I propose for the consideration and support of the Members that we adjourn until 3.15. Senator David Norris Senator David Norris Senator David Norris: No. There will be no co-operation on this. Senator Donie Cassidy Senator Donie Cassidy Senator Donie Cassidy: If Members have difficulty with that, we will revert to the proposal agreed to yesterday, a 30-minute suspension. Sitting suspended at 2.40 p.m and resumed at 3.10 p.m. Seanad Éireann 192 Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30. General Debate 20081212
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