Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the Government's failure to furnish the Council of Europe's committee on social rights with a report on its implementation of a number of European Social Charter provisions, which has prohibited the committee from making a legal assessment on whether Ireland complies with its obligations under these provisions. Considering that matters such as the right to access child care, health services, affordable housing and the treatment of young offenders are covered by the charter, it is vital that the Government is accountable to the people of Ireland and the Council of Europe on its performance and must submit the report as a matter of urgency.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the loss of jobs, livelihood and self-esteem for those no longer eligible to participate in community employment schemes due to a Government cap. Of particular importance is the effect of such a cap on areas of high unemployment. It is important that the House has the opportunity to debate the wisdom of taking people out of community employment schemes and putting them on the live register.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the seizure last night of €3.5 million worth of cocaine in the North Strand area of Dublin and the need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the steps he intends to take to deal with the growing problem of the importation and distribution of cocaine. In view of the importance of the issue, I hope the Ceann Comhairle will agree to my request.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to intervene with Dunnes Stores to ensure the re-instatement of Ms Joanne Delaney, sacked by Dunnes Stores for wearing a union badge. I also call on the Minister to ensure the right of workers generally to wear a union badge and be represented by a trade union official at meetings with management and the right of shop stewards to operate without intimidation, and to make a statement on the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the discovery of the bird flu virus in Germany and the need for the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Health and Children, as part of a full Dáil debate on the issue, to make full statements to the House about this country's state of preparedness for an outbreak of bird flu or, worse, a possible flu pandemic.
Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.