I now come to deal with notice of motion under Standing Order 30 and I call first Deputy Proinsias De Rossa.
Requests to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
In accordance with Standing Order 30 I request leave to move the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest, namely, the motion passed last week by the United Nations Security Council authorising the United States and its allies in the Gulf to use military force against Iraq, and the appropriate response of Ireland to this motion in view of its implications for world peace and for Irish neutrality. Article 28.3.1º of the Constitution states quite clearly that war shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war, save with the assent of the Dáil. Accordingly, I believe that a motion of the Dáil would be required before the Government could contemplate supporting the Security Council motion. The deadline for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait specified in the Security Council motion will occur in mid-January when the Dáil is likely to be in recess. Accordingly, it is essential that the Dáil should now discuss the matter and I therefore urge you to agree to my request under Standing Order 30.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider that it is one contemplated by Standing Order 30 and I cannot therefore grant leave to move the motion.
Would the Taoiseach indicate when he proposes to enable the House to debate the matter? My question is in order and I wonder if the Taoiseach would respond, either positively or negatively.
The Chair has no control over such matters.
I appreciate that, but the question is in order and the Taoiseach is refusing to reply.
It is not in order.
The first issue I wish to raise under Standing Order 30 is the implementation of the Examiner's report on the Goodman Group and the implications of this for the continuance of fair and free competition in the beef industry.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider that it is one contemplated by Standing Order 30 and I regret that I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
Also under Standing Order 30, I wish to raise the question of whether the Government propose to take any action on their own or in conjunction with EC partners to alleviate the food shortage and food distribution problems in eastern Europe this winter.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider that it is one contemplated by Standing Order 30 and I cannot therefore grant leave to move the motion.
On a point of order, would it be a good idea if you were to circulate guidelines under which Standing Order 30 could be considered, to avoid the frustration suffered by Members who wish to raise urgent matters?
I shall be glad to do so.