Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of related notices of motion under Standing Order 30 dealing with two different topics. I propose to deal with the two topics separately. In regard to the first topic, I have received notices from Deputies John Bruton and Mary Harney. I call on Deputies Bruton and Harney to state the matters of which they have given notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I am seeking permission under Standing Order 30 to allow a debate on a motion mandating the Government to indicate its support for the candidacy of Mr. Peter Sutherland for the post of EU Commission President in light of the deadlock that arose in regard to the filling of that post at the Corfu Summit.
I seek permission under Standing Order 30 to request the adjournment of the Dáil for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, namely the refusal of the Government to promote the candidature of an Irish nominee for the post of President of the Commission of the European Union.
Having considered the matters fully, I do not consider them to be ones contemplated by Standing Order 30. I cannot grant leave, therefore, to move the motions.
In regard to the second topic, I received notices from Deputies De Rossa and John Bruton. I call on Deputies De Rossa and Bruton to state the matters of which they have given notice.
In accordance with Standing Order 30, I request leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the escalating crisis facing TEAM Aer Lingus following the laying off of more than 800 workers and the decision of SIPTU members to mandate industrial action if work practices are unilaterally changed, and the urgent need for the Government to respond positively to the formula put forward by SIPTU aimed at breaking the deadlock. In view of the importance of this matter, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I hope you will agree to the request for this debate which is increasingly urgent.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 to debate a motion calling on the Government, without prejudice to its position on the Labour Relations Commission report, to convene a round table discussion on the situation in TEAM Aer Lingus for a period of three days commencing tomorrow to allow all parties affected an opportunity to speak directly to one another, thereby eliminating the misunderstandings and residues of distrust that are preventing agreement being reached and that are, perhaps, leading to the loss of many jobs.
Having considered the matters fully, I do not consider them to be ones contemplated by Standing Order 30. I cannot grant leave, therefore, to move the motions.
May I seek your permission, Sir, to have the motion tabled in my name seeking a round table discussion for three days on the situation in TEAM Aer Lingus taken in Fine Gael's Private Members' time this evening so as to allow this critically urgent matter to be debated in this House in a constructive spirit?
We must move on to the Order of Business.