I beg leave to move the Adjournment of Seanad Éireann for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance as envisaged under Standing Order 26 of the House, that is, the decision of the Minister for Transport and Power to issue permits immediately to Northern Ireland lorries to operate for reward into the area of the Republic for which there is no legislative authority.

I have received from the Senator a written statement of the subject which he wishes to have discussed. I have carefully considered it but must rule in accordance with precedent that the motion is not one contemplated under the Standing Order.

Is a breach of the law by a Minister of State not a matter of public importance and a matter of urgent public importance?

A matter of public importance, yes, but not of urgency.

The law is being broken as from this date.

The matter may be raised but it must be raised in some other way.

Is the Minister's breach of the law not more important than the Standing Order?

The matter may not be raised under the Standing Order.

(Longford): There are many people who feel that the only reason the Transport Act works so well is that it is broken every day of the week by many people.

The Senator will resume his seat.