Before proceeding to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy Trevor Sargent. I call on Deputy Sargent to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil pursuant to Standing Order 30 in order that the Dáil might have an opportunity to debate Dublin Zoo following the latest serious developments where an elephant on loan from Chester Zoo is reported to have severed the trunk of another elephant, disabling it to the point where it cannot feed itself. I ask the Dáil to urge the authorities in Dublin Zoo to return the animal to Chester Zoo where there is a social group of elephants of which the displaced elephant is a member. An undertaking was given by Chester Zoo to the effect that if the elephant which they were giving on loan could not be accommodated happily it would be retrieved. The elephant from Chester has been kept apart from the Dublin elephant for six months now and both have to be confined to avoid fighting.
I would like to have this matter debated in the House and have it published in the Official Report.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 30. Accordingly, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
Will it pack its trunk?
That was not a very nice experience for the elephant.
A trunk call.