Before proceeding to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with two different topics. I propose to deal with these two topics separately and I will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. In regard to the first topic, I have received notices from Deputies Shortall and Kenny.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek to move the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the implications for second level students, especially those facing exams, of the decision of the ASTI to escalate its industrial action, and the need for intensified efforts to find a solution to the dispute having regard to the consequences for the education system of continuing strike action and the threat of serious disruption to exams.
I propose that Dáil Éireann be suspended under Standing Order 31 of the rules of the House to discuss the following matter of urgent and important public business, namely, the escalation of the ASTI dispute to outright confrontation with the Department of Education and Science resulting to date in denial of a proper education to thousands of students and which, if not dealt with immediately, will further result in serious setbacks for students wishing to complete junior and leaving certificate examinations including aural, oral and practical exams up to June 2001; the views of the Minister for Education and Science on the impact of this strike on the integrity of the State examination system; his further views on whether the reputation and standing of the educational, scientific and business competitive edge of our young people will be diminished as a result of this action; and his views on the formation of a commission on teaching to clarify a number of complex issues on the profession to merge with the general benchmarking process.
Having considered the matters fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motions.
That is incredible.
A horrendous decision.
In regard to the second topic, Deputy Sargent is not in the House.