Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of related notices under Standing Order 31 from Deputies John Bruton, Quinn, Sargent and Joe Higgins. I propose to call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I propose the business of Dáil Éireann be adjourned to discuss a matter of urgent public importance; namely to allow the Taoiseach to make a statement to the House and to answer questions about the circumstances, timing and state of knowledge he had last December about the revelation that a member of his Parliamentary Party, also a member of the Committee of Public Accounts had an offshore Ansbacher account.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I give notice of my intention to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention; the need for the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to make statements to the Dáil outlining when they first became aware that Deputy Foley was under investigation by the Moriarty tribunal and an Ansbacher account holder; the subject matter of his meeting with the Taoiseach prior to Christmas; the reason the Taoiseach did not take action arising from his meeting with Deputy Foley especially having regard to the Deputy's position as vice-chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts and a member of its DIRT sub-committee; what action the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste now intend to take having regard to the matters relating to Deputy Foley which are now in the public domain and the potential damage to politics and the Dáil.
Under Standing Order 31, I move that the Dáil be suspended to deal with the failure of the Taoiseach to act decisively when informed that Deputy Foley, holder of an Ansbacher account, was under investigation by the Moriarty tribunal and to deal with the urgent need to introduce legislation requiring each Deputy to have a tax clearance certificate.
(Dublin West): Under Standing Order 31, I seek leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance; the revelation that a Deputy of the Government parties held an offshore account in Ansbacher Cayman Bank; the implications of that Deputy sitting on the Committee of Public Accounts which deliberated on alleged widespread tax fraud in certain banks; and to allow the Taoiseach to make a statement on the matter.
Having fully considered the matters, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider them to be contemplated by Stand ing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.