Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with two topics. I propose to deal with these topics separately and will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I thank you for allowing me to request the Adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of utmost importance to the vegetable processing industry, that is, the decision of Universal Dehydrates, Midleton, County Cork, to close down their air drying processing plant due to the refusal of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry to ensure the necessary financial aid for the survival of that portion of the industry, the potential loss of 50 to 60 jobs, the consequential removal of 2,000 acres of vegetable growth from the agricultural sector and the Minister's failure to meet the directors of that company in the past two years.
The matter, having been fully considered, is not considered to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, leave cannot be granted to move the motion.
Given that the vegetable processing plant in Midleton is the only such plant in Ireland, it is most important that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry——
That matter ought not to be developed now. The Deputy will have an opportunity to deal with it this evening on the Adjournment.
It is another example of the Minister being unaware of what is happening in this field.
It is unlikely the matter will develop significantly before the Dáil has an opportunity to discuss it.
Last week the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry——
I would appreciate if the Deputy would resume his seat.
Last week the Minister ringfenced Cork in terms of the BSE crisis and this week he is not aware what is happening in the food processing industry.
The Deputy should not disregard the Chair in this manner. I am calling Deputy Sargent to deal with his issue.
I wish to request the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the worsening crisis in dealing with clinical waste and the need for the Government to review its strategy to emphasise waste minimisation and the importance of recycling practices so that local solutions can be found to local problems.
The matter, having been fully considered, is not considered to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, leave cannot be granted to move the motion.
Can we look forward to a statement on the matter?
The matter will be dealt with on the Adjournment this evening.