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 seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of national importance, namely, how the Government can condone the disgraceful lack of speech therapists at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, considering the critical role played by speech therapists, particularly in the immediate period after a stroke, and the terrible tragedy of somebody not regaining essential speech because of a failure in the duty of care owed by the Government to its most vulnerable citizens.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of national importance, namely, the situation of An Post and the urgent necessity for the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to personally intervene to ensure that an amicable, fair and workable solution to the present crisis can be achieved, having particular regard to the potential impact of deregulation, the long-standing failure to recognise the existence of a public service obligation, the fundamental social and economic role of the post office network and its staff and the appallingly low rate of pay for a great number of postmasters, who have worked for a pittance for years.
Having given the matters raised full consideration, I do not consider them to be in order under Standing Order 31.