Seanad debates
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Request to move Adjournment of Seanad under Standing Order 30
10:30 am
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have notice from Senator Fidelma Healy Eames regarding a motion she wishes to raise under Standing Order 30. I call Senator Healy Eames to give notice of the motion before I give my ruling.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I propose an adjournment of the Seanad on a specific and important matter of public interest which has arisen suddenly in recent days. The matter is that Seanad Éireann would call on the Minister for Health and-or the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to give top priority accommodation status to women who find themselves pregnant and homeless in order that the relevant agencies can provide them with immediate supportive accommodation; ensure an immediate and appropriate supportive accommodation response for the 17 women who find themselves homeless and pregnant in Dublin at this time; and ensure such accommodation would be stable and fit for purpose when their babies arrive. I draw particular attention to the urgency surrounding one homeless young woman who is 22 years old and due to give birth within the next few days. I thank the House for considering this under Standing Order 30 as a matter of public interest which has arisen suddenly. It is the first time I have called for such a motion under this provision. I appreciate Senators' support. Please God, these young women will have had their babies by the time we come back from the summer recess. They need accommodation. They do not need to be thrown out at 9 a.m. every day.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have given careful consideration to the matter raised by the Senator. I cannot consider it to be a matter contemplated by Standing Order 30. I regret, therefore, that I have to rule it out of order.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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May I ask for a reason it is not considered to be in order?
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It has not arisen suddenly. It is on the Order Paper as it is.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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It has arisen suddenly. I put it on the Order Paper on Monday and today is Tuesday.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is on the Order Paper so it has not arisen suddenly. It is a matter of public interest, there is no doubt, but it has to be-----
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I am now proposing an amendment to the Order of Business.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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You cannot propose an amendment to the Order of Business.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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We are talking about mincing words here.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, I have made my ruling.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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The House has worked against the people this week. I had proposed a Commencement debate on this and it was not addressed. It is on the Order Paper and has not been addressed. It is a disgrace.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, I am dealing with the matter under Standing Order 30. The matter has not arisen suddenly and I have given my ruling on it.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Are we saying that between Monday and Tuesday is not suddenly?
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have made my ruling on this issue.
Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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It is a disgrace.