Before the Order of Business, I propose to deal with 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 Quinn and I now call on him to state the matter.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I give notice of my intention to seek to move the adjournment of the Dáil today to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the seriously deteriorating industrial relations situation as a result of which secondary schools will be closed for two days this week and all national rail services will be withdrawn for 48 hours, the need for action on the part of the Government to seek a negotiated settlement to both disputes having regard to the potential threat to education and the disruption of travel if these disputes are not resolved quickly and the further need for Government action to deal with the growing number of industrial disputes.
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.
In regard to the second topic, I received notice from Deputy Sargent and I now call on him to state the matter.
I move that the business of the Dáil be suspended under Standing Order 31 to address the urgent need for Government contingency plans to help stranded commuters to meet appointments when trains, buses or taxis are not operating and that the Government takes the opportunity to thank car drivers who gave lifts to rain soaked commuters who were being passed by full buses at bus stops throughout the country this morning.
The State cars are the only things moving.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.