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 received notice from Deputies Seán Ryan, Sargent and Jim Higgins. I call Deputy Seán Ryan to state the matter.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31 I seek to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the urgent need of the Government to reconsider its plans for the privatisation of a 35% share in Aer Lingus, the out-sourcing of many areas of its business, the planned redundancy of more than 2,000 workers and the need for Government and management to enter into negotiations with the unions with a view to securing agreement on a common approach to save the company and protect the maximum number of jobs.
I request the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to respond in a constructive way to the many concerns raised by workers in Aer Lingus so that plans to out-source various and often profitable aspects of the company may be dropped to retain the maximum number of employees in the restructured company and moves to privatise may be abandoned as no mandate from the people of Ireland has been given for any such move.
(Mayo): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter requiring urgent consideration, namely, the decision by the Government to fully support the axing of 2,026 jobs at Aer Lingus, the ongoing failure of the Government to exploit EU directives to assist the survival of the airline and the decision by the Government to sell off 35% of the national carrier.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in accord ance with Standing Order 31. However, as I stated yesterday, I am keeping the matter under review and will give favourable consideration to any private notice questions submitted today.
In regard to the second topic, I have received notice from Deputy Healy. I now call on Deputy Healy to state the matter.
On a point of order. Given that more than 6,000 employees of Aer Lingus want the Government—
That is not a point of order.
This is important. This House is becoming irrelevant.
That is not a point of order. I have stated that the matter will be given favourable consideration if private notice questions are submitted for this evening.
Did you give a commitment that there would be time for a debate today?
I have said what I have said and the Deputy should resume his seat. I call Deputy Healy to state the matter.
I seek leave under Standing Order 31 to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, namely, the call by Concern, the relief organisation, for a military cessation from all sides in the Afghanistan conflict to allow for the opening of road and air corridors so that food can be delivered and stockpiled before the onset of winter in order to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31.