Before the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of related notices under Standing Order 31 from Deputy Gormley and Deputy Joe Higgins. I propose to call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notice to my office.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I wish to raise the following issue of urgent public importance under Standing Order 31. I move that the Dáil be suspended to deal with the failure of the Minister for Health and Children to take the necessary action to avert the national nursing strike and to determine what plans, if any, the Minister has to enter meaningful negotiations with the nurses to solve this dispute.
(Dublin West): Under Standing Order 31, I seek leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil on the following matter of crucial public importance – the crisis in the health service arising from the Government's abject failure to resolve the grievances of the nursing profession causing the nurses to go on strike.
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.
This is the biggest strike in the history of the State.
Deputy Gormley, you are aware the matter is the subject of Private Members' business this evening.