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.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter of grave urgency: to ensure the Minister for Foreign Affairs makes a statement and answers questions on such actions as Ireland, in its own right and as a member of the UN Security Council, proposes to take to ensure compliance with the Geneva Convention in relation to prisoners in Afghanistan, their taking and protection; if the Security Council proposes to investigate the recent mass killings and if he has raised these matters with the participants in the conflict and those who support them.
(Dublin West): I, too, seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate this crucial matter: the need for the Government to immediately withdraw its support for the military campaign led by the United States and Britain in Afghanistan in response to the wholesale slaughter of prisoners by their allies in Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz in total contravention of the Geneva Convention; the need for the Government to explain why military personnel of an EU member state, namely, Britain, were instrumental with US personnel in directing the bloody massacre and complete extermination of hundreds of trapped prisoners in the Mazar-i-Sharif compound and the need to state clearly that the Irish people do not support these atrocities.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31. On the second topic, I received notice from Deputies McManus, Gay Mitchell, Neville, Ring and Sargent. I call on Deputy McManus to state the matter.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the serious implications for those on low incomes of the announcement by the Minister for Health and Children that there will not be any increase in income eligibility for medical cards for the year 2002 and the urgent need for the Government to review this decision. In view of the importance of this matter, I hope the Ceann Comhairle will accede to this request.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter of national importance: the scandalous failure of the Government to extend eligibility to medical cards to everyone on low income in a year which saw the extension of medical cards to all those aged 70 and over, regardless of their income.
Charlie strikes back; so much for the health plan.
The gloss did not last long.
Order, please.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter of national importance: the fact that 250,000 people continue to face financial barriers at the first point of contact with the health services and the failure of the Minister for Health and Children and the Government to extend medical card eligibility to these people which highlights the failure to recognise the importance of primary care.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter of national importance: the report by the Irish Medical Organisation that 250,000 people cannot afford medical treatment and the Government's decision not to extend eligibility to medical cards to the most vulnerable citizens in society.
I ask that the Dáil be adjourned under Standing Order 31 in order to address the Government's rescinding of its commitment to extend medical cards to the most vulnerable people in Irish society and the need for this unacceptable decision to be reversed immediately in order to begin providing an adequate health care system for this country.
I hope you will permit a debate on this issue, a Cheann Comhairle.
An Ceann Comhairle: Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31.
This issue ought to be debated.
There is money for Carr Communications but none for medical cards.
Deputies should not criticise the Chair. I intend to give some consideration to Private Notice Questions on this matter if they are submitted for later today.
My reference to quality and fairness was not aimed at the Chair. I hope you did not misunderstand, Sir. It was aimed at the Minister.
Thank you.