Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 32.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to debate the following matter of national importance, namely, the need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, to set up a task force immediately to identify the extent of the problem of the defect pyrite being present in the foundation of new homes throughout the State. It is estimated that some 20,000 new homes built over the past number of years may be affected by the defect and the sooner the Government tackle this issue head on, which has been going on for more than two years, the better.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to debate the following matter of national importance, namely, the reduction in the number of special needs assistants, in particular the plans of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to introduce these cuts in special schools, including St. Anthony's Special School in Castlebar, where there are plans to cut four special needs assistants. The criteria used for the review which took place in the school are the same as those used for mainstream school, which is totally unfair and unjust, and discriminates against the most vulnerable in our society who cannot speak for themselves. The final decision on this matter is to be made in the next 24 hours and, therefore, it requires immediate attention.
I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to debate the following matter of national importance, namely, the attempt by landlords whose property is due to be taken over by NAMA to force rent increase of as much as 400% in order to present a more favourable valuation, and the effect of these unrealistic and unjust increases on business which are already struggling and the likelihood of job losses.
Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 32.