Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 32. I call Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32
Ba mhaith liom cead a lorg an Dáil a chur ar athló faoi Bhuan Ordú 32 chun déileáil leis an ghnó práinneach agus rí-thábhachtach seo a leanas, the urgent need for the Government to mark Say No to Ageism Week by recognising and responding to the vulnerability of older people to discrimination in the recession, including the vulnerability of all those over 50 to selection for redundancy and the extra difficulties they may face trying to find new employment. The Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation; Justice and Law Reform; and Social Protection must work together to ensure that employers do not unfairly discriminate against older people and to ensure that social welfare officials do not compound the stress and pressure experienced by unemployed older people in particular.
I wish to request the adjournment of the Dail under Standing Order 32 to debate a specific matter of public importance requiring urgent consideration, namely, the need for the Minister for Education and Skills to reverse the adjacent and non-adjacent mileage requirements for higher education grants introduced in the budget for 2011 by Fianna Fáil and the Green Party as the serious reductions in grant levels arising from this budget are preventing third level students, including mature students, from pursuing third level qualifications. I ask the Minister to make a statement on the matter.
I wish to raise the matter of local and national importance under Standing Order 32, namely, the current uncertainty surrounding the State's fair deal scheme. Recent statements by the Minister, Deputy O'Reilly, and others that he is reviewing the scheme and that applicants will have to go on a waiting list is causing great concern and discomfort to old people in need of care and their families. This uncertain situation is also undermining investors who have spent large amounts in preparation and planning and who are dependent on bank support to deliver these services. The consequences of this uncertainty are also putting potential jobs in jeopardy as approved nursing homes cannot proceed unless they receive bank loans and the applicants have been told that loans will not be approved without the issue being sorted out. This is a disgraceful situation. Two days ago, 629 patients were blocking acute hospital beds, and as a result of this issue their discharges are being delayed.
Having considered the matters raised, I have concluded they are not in order under Standing Order 32.