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 and I will call Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. In regard to the first topic, I received notice from Deputy Joe Higgins and I now call on him to state the matter.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Dublin West): Under Standing Order 31, I seek leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil on this following issue of urgent public importance, which is, the threat of imminent layoffs of workers in certain industries and ongoing hardship for thousands of commuters arising from the dispute in Iarnród Éireann and the continuing refusal of Iarnród Éireann management to engage in dialogue with the Irish Locomotives Drivers' Association which represents 48% of full-time train drivers in the State.
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.
Will the Minister make a statement?
Under Standing Order 31, I seek leave to move that the Dáil be suspended in order to address the following issue of urgent public importance, namely, the questions which still remain following the former Supreme Court judge, Hugh O'Flaherty's, media interview regarding the procedures adopted by the Judiciary and especially as the relevant Dáil committee has now abdicated its responsibility to have former Justice O'Flaherty answer questions and the fact that the Government, in particular, has to account for its actions to the Dáil on this matter.
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.