Vol. 557 No. 1
Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with five 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 notice from Deputy McManus and I call on her to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the need for the Minister for Health and Children to make an urgent statement to the Dáil on reports that the Government may be planning to renege on a commitment given to extend eligibility for medical cards to provide for the inclusion of additional people on low income.
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 Deputies Coveney and Ferris. I call on Deputy Coveney first to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following issue of national importance: the threat to Irish fish stocks and the future of the Irish fishing industry that will arise from a proposal to allow unrestricted access for the Spanish fishing fleet to a protected area, known as the Irish Box, as part of Common Fishery Policy negotiations.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following specific and important matter of public importance requiring urgent consideration: the proposal that unrestricted fishing be allowed in the 50 mile Irish Box conservation area, and the serious implications this will have for the future of the Irish fishing industry.
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 third topic I have received notice from Deputy Naughten and I now call on him to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate a matter of urgent national importance: the need for the Minister for Transport to inform the House of the instruction, if any, he has given to Irish Rail following a commitment given in the House by the Taoiseach that no rail lines would be closed prior to the publication of the strategic rail review. In light of the blatant disregard of this commitment, when the company yesterday tried to close the Athenry to Claremorris rail line, there is now an obligation on the Minister to ensure the company does not try to interfere with any further lines prior to the completion of this report.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31. In regard to the fourth topic I have received notice from Deputy Gogarty.
I seek the adjournment of the House to discuss a matter of national importance: the need to provide urgent and timely emergency aid to help the 500 or more students in Athlone Institute of Technology and, indeed, the residents of Willow Park Estate who, thanks to recent flooding of a tributary of the River Shannon, are effectively homeless, and in the case of the students who are subject to theft and flood damage are without computer equipment and books which are necessary for their ongoing course work.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31. In regard to the fifth topic I have received notice from Deputy Sargent.
I request the adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to debate and clarify the shifting policy of the Government with regard to the future ownership and management of the State airline, Aer Lingus, given that it is reported today that the Government will sell off the company next year, yet the Aer Lingus chief executive officer is reported as saying the matter is not being discussed with Government. The workers there deserve an answer.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in accordance with Standing Order 31.
