Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of related notices under Standing Order 30 from Deputies John Bruton and Proinsias De Rossa. I propose to call the Deputies in the order in which they submitted notices to my office. I call, first, Deputy Bruton to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil Under Standing Order 30.
I am seeking permission under Standing Order 30 to debate the following urgent and important matter: in view of the statement by the Tánaiste that there was certainty in regard to the figures for EC support for the National Development Plan and his further statement that he was 100 per cent satisfied that these figures would not unravel, the Dáil should debate a motion on the actual level of EC support for the plan, its consequential effect on the content of the plan as published and the implications of these discrepancies for the perceived competence of Ministers directly involved in conducting international negotiations on behalf of Ireland.
In accordance with Standing Order 30 I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the reports that Ireland will not receive the full £7.8 billion in EC funds which the Government assured the House had been guaranteed and which it reported to the Dáil it had secured, that the Irish allocation is likely to be reduced by at least £800 million and that the implications of this for the National Development Plan, and in particular for job creation, should be debated by this House. May I say also that the attempt by the Government this morning to provide for ten minute statements is totally inadequate——
I am sorry, but the Deputy may not add to the notice he gave to me.
I may, if I wish.
I have received notice from the Government Chief Whip advising me that it is proposed to have statements on the matter.
It should have stated that he will resign.
Accordingly, the Dáil will have an opportunity of discussing this matter and therefore I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
That is a disgraceful decision.
(Interruptions.)
Order of Business.
Are you sure, a Cheann Comhairle, that there will be enough ten minute slots between 12.40 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.?
Let us hear the Taoiseach on the Order of Business, which will clarify matters.