Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31. I propose to call on the 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 raise a matter of national importance, namely, the decision by the Department of Education and Science not to grant the €5,000 necessary to fund a July programme for 15 severely disabled pupils at Enable Ireland, Sandymount and the urgent need to provide services for children with disabilities.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the lack of support for people and families suffering from autism, the lack of rights based legislation, the lack of non-means tested medical cards for specific family members suffering from autism, the passing off of responsibility between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science in supplying services for autistic children and the lack of occupational therapists, speech therapists and respite care for sufferers of autism and their families.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the unjustified application by the ESB for an electricity price rise of up to 13% coming in the wake of ESB price rises totalling 24% since 2000 resulting in a cumulative increase of almost 40% in the past three years, the company's facile pretext of growing international oil prices which are actually falling after reaching record levels recently, the energy regulator's meek acceptance of such excuses prior to approving the ESB application, the disastrous effect of such electricity increases on the competitiveness of small businesses and to call on the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to intervene to prevent such an exorbitant increase in energy costs.
Iarraim faoi Bhuan Ordú 31 go gcuirfear Dáil Eireann ar Athló chun ceist phráinnneach don tír ar fad a fhreagairt agus a shoiléiriú, sé sin cathain a bhainfear amach stádas oifigúil don Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigúil san Aontas Eorpach agus uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar son an Aontas Eorpach direach thart, agus cén fáth nár iarr an Rialtas riamh ar an gCoimisiún Eorpach stádas oifigúil a thabhairt don teanga náisiúnta, agus an phlean atá ag an Rialtas anois stádas oifigúil a bhaint amach.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, to clear up the confusion that now exists on the future of the proposed metro for Dublin given the conflicting statements we have from the Taoiseach who seems to believe we cannot afford the project and the Minister of Transport who seems to believe it is still on track.
Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.