Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with two different topics. I propose to deal with these two topics separately. As regards the first topic, I have received notices from Deputies Noonan and Quinn. I will call them in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance, namely, that findings of tribunals of inquiry that taxes were evaded may no longer be relied on as evidence by the Revenue Commissioners in the collection of such taxes.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss an issue of national importance, particularly with regard to the outrage among the public, namely, the need to publish under section 134 of the Finance Act, 1998, the decision by the Appeals Commissioners in respect of the Haughey case.
I consider the matter to be one contemplated by the Standing Order and, accordingly, to be in order. As Deputy Noonan's motion was received first, I propose to take it. I now ask the Deputies who support the request to rise.
More than 12 Deputies rose.
I grant leave to take the motion. In accordance with Standing Order 31, it shall be taken at 3.30 p.m. today or at such other time as the Dáil may appoint.
I congratulate you, a Cheann Comhairle, and your office on that decision.
As regards the second topic, I have received notices from Deputies De Rossa and Joe Higgins. I ask Deputy De Rossa to state his matter.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following specific matter of public interest, namely, the bomb and missile attacks launched last night by the United States and the United Kingdom against Iraq and the need for the Irish Government to seek an end to that attack and a peaceful settlement to this feud with Iraq in accordance with the principles of Article 29.2 of the Constitution.
(Dublin West): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance, namely, the launching of a massive bombing attack on Iraq by the United States and Britain, the potential for appalling casualties among innocent Iraqis, particularly when hospitals are desperately short of equipment and medicine due to embargoes, and the urgent need for the State to strongly condemn this attack and to call for an immediate end to it.
As another matter has already been selected under Standing Order 31, I regret this matter cannot be considered.