Vol. 542 No. 1
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 Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
In regard to the first topic I have received notices from Deputies Joe Higgins and Stagg. I call on Deputy Higgins to state the matter.
(Dublin West): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the proposed catastrophic job losses in Aer Lingus, the need for a plan to protect full employment in the company and facilitate recovery from the downturn in the aviation industry following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and the atrocities in the United State of America on 11 September and the need for radically new management structures and full Government support for Aer Lingus.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the implications for the future of Aer Lingus of the restrictions on support and assistance announced by the EU Commission yesterday and the need for the Taoiseach to ensure that the crisis faced by Aer Lingus and other national carriers in Europe is made a priority on the agenda of the summit of EU leaders at Ghent next week.
Having given the matter full consideration I do not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31 and therefore I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
In regard to the second topic I have received notice from Deputy Sargent. I call on Deputy Sargent to state the matter.
I thank you for allowing me back into the House today. You have waited 40 years and I could wait four days for this moment.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the wide ranging implications of the Government's policy of implementing the general agreement in trade and services, which could see public services being sold off. Those services could include Aer Lingus, which has enough problems without this uncertainty, as well as hospitals, schools, water services, environmental protection services, An Post, RTE, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath.
Having given the matter full consideration, I do not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31 and therefore I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
