Manning critical of `contributions'

SENATORS were rebuked yesterday by the leader of the House Mr Maurice Manning (FG) for some "disgraceful" contributions.

"This is a house of parliament and some of the points raised are a disgrace to a house of parliament," he said. "I would really ask colleagues to try and take the Order of Business seriously because if we don't take ourselves seriously nobody else will."

He was speaking after a second day of angry exchanges in the Seanad and repeated requests by the Cathaoirleach, Mr Liam Naughton, for senators to use the proper channels to raise issues.

Unusually, the Cathaoirleach adjourned the House for 15 minutes before the Order of Business was completed, because of a row between Mr Paddy McGowan (FF) and Mr Joe Sherlock (DL).

The row had begun the previous day over the students summer jobs scheme, which Senator McGowan claimed had collapsed. Senator Sherlock had responded that this was "not a statement of fact".

Yesterday, another Senator rekindled the row. Mr Jim Townsend (Lab) called on the Minister for Social Welfare to debate the scheme in the House. It had been introduced by the Labour party in Government with Fianna Fail and had "proved to be an excellent scheme". It needed "certain refinements" but "those who criticise the scheme don't know how it works".

Senator McGowan then rose and repeated that the scheme had collapsed and this was a statement of fact. There were shouts of "disinformation" from the Government benches, as the Cathaoirleach asked the Donegal politician to resume his seat.

"Why are the shackles up" Senator McGowan asked. Turning to the Cathaoirleach, he said "I'm asking for your protection and guidance." The Cathaoirleach said he was asking him for the last time to resume his seat, and that if he had a point of information to raise he could do so after the order of business.

After repeated interruptions the Cathaoirleach said he was adjourning the House for 15 minutes. Senator McGowan replied "Adjourn away and I'll be here to raise it again." He then turned to Senator Sherlock and shouted "Bloody arrogance."

When the sitting resumed, the Cathaoirleach said that "I will not allow disorder the house. Everyone is entitled to their views," he said, adding that he would do his best to ensure they were heard but he would not tolerate disruption.

Mr McGowan raised the jobs scheme issue again and said that Senator Sherlock had continually interrupted him the previous day and deprived him of his right to make a point.

The Cathaoirleach then told the senator that if he raised the issue for an adjournment debate he would do his utmost to ensure it could be dealt with next week. Mr McGowan agreed.