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 on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. Regarding the first topic, I have received notices from Deputies Jim Higgins, Naughten, Stanton and Sargent.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Mayo): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter requiring urgent consideration, namely, the further industrial action tomorrow by Aer Lingus clerical staff which for the second weekend in succession will again ground virtually all Aer Lingus flights; the major inconvenience for up to 20,000 passengers; the failure of the industrial relations machinery to resolve this dispute; the damage being caused to the reputation and economy of both the company and the country; and the urgent need for an all out effort by the Government to find a solution to this dispute.
I seek the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent economic importance, namely, the ongoing industrial relations problems in Aer Lingus and the decision by the company's clerical staff to threaten further industrial action which will not only have a detrimental effect on the company but seriously damage our tourism sector, especially in light of the recent crisis facing the sector due to the foot and mouth disease and the severe adverse impact such industrial unrest would have on the planned investment by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation to promote Ireland abroad.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss an urgent and important matter of public interest requiring immediate consideration, namely, the strike at Aer Lingus which is to begin at midnight tonight and which will ground all Aer Lingus planes for 24 hours and which will seriously inconvenience the travelling public.
I request, under Standing Order 31, that the business of Dáil Éireann be adjourned to hear how the Government needs to engage with the union and management at Aer Lingus, given the history of low wages borne by Aer Lingus operatives and the huge disruption being visited upon over 20,000 passengers in the run-up to Easter as a result of ongoing industrial action in the company.
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. Regarding the second topic, I have received notice from Deputies Neville and Crawford.
I seek the Adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the industrial relations dispute which has closed down the Anglo-Irish Beef Packers plants at Rathkeale, Nenagh, Waterford and Clones and the refusal of the AIBP operatives at Bandon to slaughter circa 500 cattle yesterday, the 4th; the difficulties this creates for the employees and farmers; and the effect it will have on the beef industry.
I seek the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent national importance, namely, the fact that four AIBP factories at Clones, Nenagh, Rathkeale and Waterford are closed due to strike action at a time when the cattle industry is in crisis due to foot and mouth problems; and the urgent need for Government intervention by either the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development or the Taoiseach in the national interest.
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.