Thursday, 9 March 2023

Rulings from the Chair

Motions of urgent public importance

The PRESIDENT (12:00): As I mentioned this morning, I have received a letter from Ms Crozier in relation to a letter sent by the former IBAC Commissioner to the former President. Ms Crozier submits that this is a matter of urgent public importance and a motion to take note of the letter should be debated urgently. Under standing orders, if the President is satisfied the matter is of such importance and warrants urgent consideration, the matter must be dealt with as a priority over all business. Standing order 6.10 sets out how the President is to consider whether the matter meets the urgency test. While it is arguable that the matter is a somewhat recent occurrence, I do not find that Ms Crozier’s submission has met the criteria for this to be deemed urgent. Firstly, I do not believe the rights, welfare or security of citizens could be said to be in jeopardy in this instance. Secondly, there is a distinct possibility of the matter being brought before the Council in reasonable time by other means. Indeed Mr Davis gave notice on Tuesday of a motion about this matter, and it could have been brought to the chamber yesterday, but it was not. Ms Crozier can also seek to have that motion or an alternative motion debated on the next sitting Wednesday. On balance, this request does not meet the criteria such that the house must set aside all other business. I have notified Ms Crozier and I now inform the house, as I am required to do under the standing orders.