Before proceeding to the Order of Business I propose to deal with two topics under Standing Order 31. I propose to deal with the topics separately and will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I have received notice from Deputy Flanagan and I call on the Deputy to state the matter of which he has given notice.
Requests to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I hereby seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of urgency and importance, namely, a decision taken last week by the Ceann Comhairle to withdraw the practice he introduced in October 1999 whereby the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition leaders were allowed to ask a question of the Taoiseach on a topical matter to which the Taoiseach was required to reply; the refusal of the Government to enshrine this practice in the Standing Orders of the House and the widespread public concern that the Government's refusal to bring Standing Orders into line with the practice which prevailed until last week is an attempt to silence the new Leader of Fine Gael and to prevent him from pursuing the real concerns of the people on the Order of Business in Dáil Éireann.
Having considered the matter fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. I cannot, therefore, grant leave to move the motion.
I have received notice from Deputy Gormley on a second topic. I call on Deputy Gormley to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
I wish to have the business of the House suspended under Standing Order 31 to debate the following issue of public importance, namely, the fact that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, who is charged with dealing with Ireland's worsening litter problem, petitioned the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to overturn a litter fine thus undermining his own authority as Minister and making his position untenable.
Having considered the matter fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. I cannot, therefore, grant leave to introduce the motion.
I take this opportunity to congratulate Deputy Noonan on his election as leader of the main Opposition party. I look forward to a good working relationship with him in his new role.