Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 31 from Deputy Naughten. I call on Deputy Naughten to state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I move the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of vital national importance, namely, the current collapse in agriculture prices, the failure of the Government to successfully extend the intervention beef scheme and the reduction in beef prices of £30 per head in the past week.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
On a point of order, does the Chair consider the dramatic decline in farm incomes is a matter of important public interest?
It is totally disorderly to question the Chair's decision.
I respectfully submit that this urgent matter of public importance falls within the terms of Standing Orders and is, therefore, in order.
The Chair has made a decision and it is not in order to challenge that.
Will the Ceann Comhairle outline the basis for his decision that this is not a matter of urgent public importance?
The Chair is not going to explain its decisions. The Chair has made its decision, it has stated the case and that is the end of the matter.
This is an important matter.
(Interruptions.)