Before proceeding to the Order of Business, I wish to state that I have had notice from Deputy De Rossa that he seeks leave to move a motion under Standing Order 30. Will the Deputy please state what he wishes to say?
Request for Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
In accordance with Standing Order 30 I wish to request, at the commencement of public business, leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest, namely: the decision of the Government to privatise the publicly-owned Irish Life Assurance plc; the likely impact of the decision on the company's policyholders, the implication of this move for the employees of Irish Life and for the Irish assurance and financial sectors. As, no doubt, the House is aware, the decision to privatise Irish Life, which has been under public control since the thirties, marks a major departure in public policy and it is incumbent on this House to discuss that decision at a very early date. That is why I am asking leave to adjourn the House.
Having fully considered the matter, I do not consider that it is one comtemplated by Standing Order 30. I cannot, therefore, grant leave to move the motion.
I have no wish to challenge your decision on the matter but there are precedents for debate in this House on urgent matters on the basis of Government announcements of change in policy. Perhaps you might outline the basis on which you have decided——
The matter is quite clear to the Chair. Indeed there are a number of questions on tomorrow's Order Paper addressed to the Minister for Finance in relation to this subject matter and the Deputy could have put down an ordinary question.
In view of the importance——
Sorry, Deputy, I will not allow my ruling to be challenged in this fashion.
I have a reason, will you hear me?
On a point of order——
How dare you? I have ruled on this matter, I will not entertain any argument or debate or points of order on it.
On a point of order——
Resume your seat.
I am entitled to raise this matter.
You are arguing with me.
I have resumed my seat, I am asking you——
The Deputy is challenging my ruling in this a matter and I will not tolerate it.
I listed a question on the same subject and I have just learned it has been ruled out of order. In view of the fact that ICTU were——
Deputy Bell, there are questions on this subject to be taken tomorrow. Obviously Deputies had time to put down questions on this matter.
I have just learned that the question has been ruled out of order and I am trying to clarify the matter. In view of the fact that the Irish Congress of Trade Unions were in the process of entering discussions with the Government on the subject of Irish Life it would appear that this is an attempt to get into a negotiating position——
The Deputy is embarking upon a speech and it is not in order.
I am asking your permission to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Deputy should have asked me that in the first instance without making a speech.