Vol. 542 No. 3
Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 on four 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 Jim Higgins and Trevor Sargent. I call first on Deputy Jim Higgins to state the matter.
(Mayo): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter that requires urgent consideration, namely, the decision by the European Union to dismiss the case put by the Minister for Public Enterprise for special State aid for Aer Lingus. The EU decision to permit only very limited aid will lead inevitably to the loss of 2,500 jobs and will do irreparable damage to the survival prospects of our national carrier.
I call Deputy Sargent.
I request under Standing Order 31 that Dáil Éireann be suspended to allow adequate time for all parties and groups, not just Fine Gael and the Labour Party, to debate the urgent matter of a rescue plan and viable strategy for Aer Lingus and to determine how management can be wholly comprised of those with aviation and business expertise, free of political patronage. Management should be given the resources to restore Aer Lingus to a healthy state with a viable future.
As the matter is being dealt with by statements today, it is not in order under Standing Order 31.
It is in order to say that the Green Party will not be included, a Cheann Comhairle.
Order, please.
There is information that I want to discuss.
It is disgraceful.
In regard to the second topic, I have received notice from Deputy Olivia Mitchell. I call on the Deputy to state the matter.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the implications of the current dispute with landowners for the implementation of the NDP road building programme, such as the effect on farms that have geared up based on Government assurances and have paid staff to remain idle for six months, the cost to the taxpayer for signed site investigation contracts which cannot be fulfilled and the urgent need for the Government to resolve the dispute.
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. In regard to the third topic, I have received notice from Deputy Joe Higgins. I call on the Deputy to state the matter.
(Dublin West): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil to debate the continued support of the Government for the bombing of Afghanistan, despite the rising toll of civilian casualties and the destruction of a United Nations demining centre and a Red Cross aid depot and to discuss the need to call for an immediate cessation of the bombing.
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. In regard to the fourth topic, I have received notice from Deputy Healy. I call on the Deputy to state the matter.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of immediate importance, namely, the need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to provide for a significant increase in Garda manpower in view of the regular and ongoing disturbances on the streets and in housing estates. Such an Adjournment would enable Dáil Éireann to debate the urgent need to introduce community Garda policing schemes in our towns and cities and the need to reopen village and rural Garda stations. The failure of the Minister to take initiatives in these areas has led to vigilantism and will continue to breed vigilantes.
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.
