Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 31 from Deputy John Gormley. I call on Deputy Gormley to state the matter of which he has given notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I wish to raise under Standing Order 31 the following issue of urgent public importance. I request that the business of the House be suspended to allow time for an urgent public debate on Ireland's position in the NATO led Partnership for Peace, in light of the petition calling for a referendum on the issue which was signed by eminent people such as Nobel laureate Séamus Heaney, and others and in light of Fianna Fáil's failure to honour its election manifesto promises on the issue.
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.
We have tried to raise this matter—
If Deputy Gormley has any difficulty with the ruling on this matter, he should contact the office of the Ceann Comhairle.
The petition to which—
I ask Deputy Gormley to be orderly in the House and to resume his seat.
—I refer was signed by Séamus Heaney, Darina Allen, Robert Ballagh, Deputy Blaney—
When the Chair is on its feet, the Deputy should resume his seat.
—and Chris Andrews, a nephew of—
Does the Deputy wish to leave the House?
Is the Leas-Cheann Comhairle aware of the similarities between this situation and that which obtained in Hitler's Germany before the Second World War?
I have ruled on the matter raised under Standing Order 31 and if Deputy Sargent has a problem with that he should contract the office of the Ceann Comhairle.
Fianna Fáil got into power by stating it would hold a referendum on this matter.
What about the Greens in Germany and their stance on the nuclear issue?
Deputy Sargent should resume his seat when the Chair is on its feet.
The historical parallel—
Does Deputy Sargent wish to leave the House?
I wish to point out—
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat. He should show some respect for the Chair when it is on its feet.
I am seeking good chairmanship.
The Deputy should resume his seat.
The Chair is trying to railroad this issue.
Deputy Gormley should resume his seat. This is the last opportunity he will be given to remain in the House.