It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 6, 7, 2, 8, 3, 9, 10, 11 (Votes 42 and 8).
Order of Business.
Under Standing Order No. 29 I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. The matter of public importance is the pollution of Bantry Bay and the Glengarriff area generally. As the House is aware, this is one of the greatest amenity areas in the country.
I cannot permit the Deputy to make his case at this juncture.
I am not making a case: but since this is the start of the tourist season, something which is vital in an area like Glengarriff, this House should take some action to ensure that the pollution of beaches should be dealt with.
The Deputy is proceeding to make his case.
I am stating these matters in order to reinforce the Chair when a decision is being made. This is the most beautiful part of Ireland and, with the tourist season about to commence, it is a matter of vital importance to this area.
The Deputy was good enough to consult with me about this matter. He gave notice to me of his intention to raise this matter but I regret that, on the evidence submitted to me, I cannot hold that the matter comes within the meaning of Standing Order No. 29 which would allow him move the Adjournment of the Dáil at 9 p.m. this evening. I should like to assure the Deputy that I am considering his application for a half hour Adjournment debate, subject to my being satisfied that there is Ministerial responsibility in this matter. I will be in communication with the Deputy.
I am sure the Ceann Comhairle is aware of the vital importance tourism plays in this area.
I appreciate that and I will communicate with the Deputy on this matter later.
I should like to give notice that I wish to have the subject matter of Question No. 33, which I asked on 12th June, debated on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.