Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of related notices of motion under Standing Order 31 from Deputies Gay Mitchell and Neville. I call the Deputies in the order in which they submitted notices to my office. I first call Deputy Gay Mitchell to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter of urgent public importance: the failure of the Minister for Health and Children to answer parliamentary questions in keeping with his constitutional duties and responsibilities to Dáil Éireann while at the same time providing the information outside the House; and in particular, his failure to provide the information sought in a parliamentary question put down on 28 March, seeking a list of every State agency, company, board, group, committee, commission, inquiry or authority set up under the aegis of his Department and the aims of each such body; and to consider a motion condemning the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, in view of his continued contempt for his—
I understand it was pointed out to the Deputy that the last line was not appropriate. It is usual in the House just to read out the motion. There is a precedent.
I read out the amended motion, as agreed. I originally sought the Adjournment of the House to seek the suspension of the Minister from the Assembly.
My understanding is that the last line was not included.
I believe he should be suspended from this House, which he treats with total contempt.
I wish to seek the Adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to debate the following motion of urgent importance: the need for the Minister for Health and Children to outline to the House why he did not answer a parliamentary question, which is his constitutional duty to the people and to the Members of Dáil Éireann as their representatives; and why he decided to supply outside the House the information sought in a parliamentary question tabled on 28 March seeking a list of every State agency, company, board, group, committee, commission, inquiry or authority set up under the aegis of his Department, and the aims of each such body; and the need for the Minister to immediately provide a comprehensive explanation to the House on the matter.
Having considered the matters fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, cannot grant leave to move the motion.
We will return to the matter.
We will.
The Minister will not answer questions in the House.
He is too busy.