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 topics separately and I will call on the Deputies in the order in which they have submitted their notices to my office. In regard to the first topic, I have received notices from Deputy Gormley and Deputy Joe Higgins (Dublin West). I call first on Deputy Gormley to state the matter.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I propose that the business of the House be suspended under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following issue of urgent public importance, namely, the bombing of Afghanistan by American and British forces which has resulted in the deaths of innocent victims and a worsening of the humanitarian crisis, and the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to now seek the assent of this House before our airports are used as part of the America war effort.
(Dublin West): I also seek leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to debate the support given by the Government for the bombing of Afghanistan by United States and British forces which has already killed innocent people and destroyed crucial de-mining resources, and the need to oblige the Government to withdraw the offer made by it that Irish airports could be used in this war.
Having considered the matters fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion. With regard to the second topic, I have received notice from Deputies Richard Bruton and Jim Higgins. I call firstly on Deputy Richard Bruton to state the matter.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the impact on Aer Lingus of the effect on air travel of the initiation of hostilities in Afghanistan; of the dramatic change in the scale of redundancies now being sought by the company; and of the apparent hardening of the EU Commission's attitude to state aid.
(Mayo): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter requiring urgent consideration, namely, the imminent shedding of up to 2,500 permanent and 700 temporary jobs at Aer Lingus; the policy decision of the European Union that airlines cannot be subvented by national governments; the further avalanche of cancellations of bookings on North Atlantic routes in the wake of the attacks on Afghanistan; and the very real possibility that the national carrier will collapse unless urgent and constructive support is forthcoming from the Government.
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.