Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Noonan (Limerick East). I now call on Deputy Noonan to state the matter of which he has given notice.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
(Limerick East): I wish to move a motion under Standing Order 30 to allow the Dáil to debate the sale of the shares in Greencore held by the Department of Finance. When the legislation to privatise the Irish Sugar Company was introduced into Dáil Éireann a commitment was given that not more than 15 per cent of the shareholding could be held by any one individual or institution. This condition was included in the prospectus of sale of the shares at the time of flotation and was also incorporated in the articles of the new company. By entering into negotiations with a foreign multinational to sell to it in excess of 29 per cent of the total shareholding the Government has breached its commitment to Dáil Éireann. I believe also, a Cheann Comhairle, that the announcement on budget day that the Government were to get involved in the sale of assets to yield £150 million included the sale of Grencore, that the sale of Greencore is fundamental to the budgetary arithmetic and if it does not take place, then there is also a budgetary problem.
I understand that statements will be made on this subject matter today and, accordingly, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.