Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of urgent national importance, namely, the need for the Ministers for Education and Science and Transport to introduce lessons on safe driving techniques as part of the second level school curriculum, for example, in transition year. Such lessons are needed because many young people have died on our roads. We can help to save lives by trying to educate young people about the dangers of driving cars. We have to try in every way to stop the carnage on our roads immediately.
Hear, hear.
Did the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism write that?
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of national importance and concern, namely, the urgent need to assist families in Fairview, Marino, Drumcondra and Santry whose homes have been damaged as a result of the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel. I am calling for the immediate repair of the 273 houses which have been damaged in recent times. The damage includes 200 cracks, 39 hairline cracks, eight seriously damaged windows and doors, two seriously damaged roofs, three major plumbing problems, three major glazing problems and 18 other serious complaints. We need to ensure that all families in my constituency get the maximum compensation for the damages which have resulted from the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
But of course.
The tunnel has not even opened yet.
Ivor is out fixing the windows.
Ivor is staying silent on the issue.
Deputy Murphy, without interruption please.
I wish to request the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of urgent national and local importance, namely, the need to review radically the availability of child care and to examine the factors which are driving the cost of child care provision. Despite the introduction of a grant of €1,000 in respect of children under the age of six in last year's budget, many families continue to complain that it was a drop in the ocean, at best, and that they face serious pressure in covering costs. We need to consider new options including a further extension of maternity leave, the role that can be played by the voluntary sector and the fact that the costs of child care providers are being passed on to parents. There is a need for a full debate on the issue.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a specific and important matter that requires urgent consideration, namely, the need to congratulate and commend the Dublin Fire Brigade for its heroic actions last night, when it prevented a major tragedy by saving up to 70 people from a burning hostel in the north inner city; the need for the Government to provide extra ambulances to meet the demands of Dublin's growing population; the need for it to carry out a fire risk assessment for Dublin in line with its legislative obligations, which is something it has failed to do over many years, where particular attention should to be given to private rented hostels; and the need for everyone to co-operate fully with the fire brigade especially at this time of year, around Hallowe'en.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent public concern, namely, the recent seizure of four large quantities of drugs which were destined for the Irish drugs market; the fact that each of the heroin seizures was equal to or in excess of the total amount of heroin seized in over 700 Garda operations in 2005; and the fact that the problem of illegal drugs is out of control.
Having considered the matters raised, I have decided that they are not in order under Standing Order 31.