Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy John Bruton. I now call on Deputy Bruton to state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil Under Standing Order 30.
I wish to request the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 to debate the specific and urgent matter of the stance taken to date by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in agreeing to a GATT deal which involves unmitigated and quantifiable losses for Irish Agriculture, with no balancing or compensating benefits to that sector, and noting the contrast between this and the stance of the French Government which has won specific compensating benefits for its farmers, notably in the cereal sector.
Having fully considered the matter I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the Standing Order. Accordingly, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
There are thousands of family farmers who would not agree with that decision. Their livelihoods will be ruined by the present agreement and nothing is being done about the matter.
This matter was dealt with during Question Time yesterday and there are still questions on today's Order Paper concerning GATT.
There are thousands of farmers who will not be in the country.