I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31. I will call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the entirely arbitrary and unreasonable practice of hospital consultants arranging consultations for patients from rural Ireland at inappropriate times such as 8.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. with no account taken or consideration given to often lengthy delays, the unavailability of public transport and the cost of taxis involved.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the failure of State-run children's residential centres to vet staff before employment, despite a requirement to obtain Garda clearance and references, and the consequential risk to children in State care.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following urgent matter: the need for a response from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the impending closure of the SDS company, his views regarding the disparity between the unions and employers at the company regarding its financial performance in 2004, and the need for the Minister to bring forward proposals urgently to avert strike action at An Post following the recent ballot.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the need for the Government to allocate additional Garda and traffic management resources to tackle gridlock on the N7 caused by road works on Rathcoole Bridge and in particular to ensure the communities on either side of the bridge in Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart can continue to access schools, meals on wheels and other community services with the minimum of disruption.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, in view of the fact that nearly one quarter of all Irish women have been abused by a current or former partner, the need for this House to take seriously — and not in any way trivialise or divert attention from — the unacceptable prevalence of domestic violence against women in our society, and for Deputies on all sides of this House to work together to muster the political will necessary to change this situation.
Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.