Vol. 550 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 received notice from Deputy Joe Higgins and I now call on him to state the matter.
(Dublin West): I seek the suspension of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance: the statement yesterday by the masters of three maternity hospitals that termination of pregnancy should be provided for in this State in certain cases of foetal inviability which, however, would be expressly forbidden if the Government's proposal is carried on 6 March; the fact that this is one more of many contradictions that have arisen in the debate; the need to modify the Government's proposal or have it withdrawn altogether; and the need to continue the debate in a way beneficial to women's well-being in the State.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31. In regard to the second topic, I received notice for Deputy Sargent and I now call on him to state the matter.
I request that Dáil Éireann be suspended under Standing Order 31 to bring forward a plan and timescale for the implementation of the school transport report and recommendations co-authored by myself and Deputy Naughten, which are more urgently required than ever given the growing number of accidents that have occurred and are occurring on school buses.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31.
