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 them separately and will call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. In regard to the first topic I have received notices from Deputies Joe Higgins, Yates and Sargent.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Dublin West): I seek leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance: the tendering of his resignation by the deputy chairman of Telecom Éireann following the resignation of the former chairman on being appointed chairman of an United States based multinational telecommunications company; whether sensitive commercial information relating to Telecom Éireann, a vital national and publicly owned asset, is in the possession of the former chairman, and whether it is advisable to proceed with the part privatisation of Telecom Éireann now or at any time.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the urgent matter of the resignation of the chairman and vice chairman of the board of Telecom Éireann; the circumstances that led to their departure; the effect this will have on the proposed flotation of Telecom Éireann, its potential share price and investor confidence; the statement today of the Tánaiste's nominee, Mr. Paul MacKay, that Mr. MacSharry was the wrong person for the job, and the crisis in the board.
The Deputy should not add to the notice he has given. I now call on Deputy Sargent.
Under Standing Order 31, I move that the business of the House be suspended to allow time for a debate on the further resignation from the board of Telecom Éireann; the choice of a new chairperson by the Minister; the consequences of these changes on the proposed floatation; and the need to rethink the strategy of the Government on this matter.
Having considered the matters fully, I do not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motions.
On the second matter, I received notice from Deputy Gormley and I now call on him to state the matter.
Under Standing Order 31, I ask that the business of the House be adjourned in order to debate the developing crisis in Kosovo and the possibility of NATO air strikes in Yugoslavia.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
It is urgent.
On a point of order, yesterday the Taoiseach promised that the Minister, Deputy O'Rourke—
I will hear the question on the Order of Business.
While I accept your ruling in regard to this matter, a Cheann Comhairle, I believe—
Under the Standing Orders of the House the Deputy has other ways to raise the matter during the day and if he makes requests, they will be considered.
Do I take it from that response to Deputy Gormley that the Private Notice Question on behalf of the Labour Party spokesperson on international affairs will be—
It is being considered.
Favourably, I trust.
The Chair cannot give assurances at this stage. Any requests will be considered.
Thank you.