Before proceeding with the Order of Business, I propose to deal with two notices under Standing Order 31. I propose to deal with the matters separately and I will call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. In regard to the first matter I have received notices from Deputies Connolly and Gormley and I call on Deputy Connolly to state the matter.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following urgent matter of great public concern: the lack of adequate accident and emergency services at Monaghan General Hospital which resulted in a mother giving birth en route during an emergency transfer to Cavan General Hospital where her baby subsequently died. The board's medical adviser has stated that such circumstances have the potential to occur in 5% of transfers due to the downgrading of services at Monaghan General Hospital.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following issue of national importance: the death of an infant during childbirth after the mother was turned away from Monaghan General Hospital yesterday due to the closure of maternity services and the need for the Minister to review his policy in light of this tragedy.
Having given the matter full consideration I do not consider it to be one 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 Deputy Gogarty and I call on the Deputy to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the House under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following matter of national concern: the questionable review of the allocation of 788 much needed resource teachers and the ongoing cutbacks in the provision of remedial teaching hours in schools.
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.