I have received notices of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputies Proinsias De Rossa and Dick Spring relating to the subject matter of the Gulf War, and I am calling on the Deputies in the order in which they submited their notices to my office. I call therefore first on Deputy Proinsias De Rossa to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
Requests to Move Adjournment of Dáil Under Standing Order 30.
In accordance with Standing Order 30 I wish to request leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest, namely, the decision of the United States and its allies to launch a massive ground war in the Gulf at a time when Iraq has given a commitment to comply with the United Nations security Council Resolution 660 by withdrawing from Kuwait; the need for the Irish Government to seek a ceasefire and a negotiated end to the conflict in view of the appalling human, economic and ecological consequences of a prolonged war; the need for the Government to reconsider their decision to provide overflight, landing and refuelling facilities for US military aircraft, especially as it is now clear that this war is not covered by any United Nations mandate. The situation has changed dramatically in the period since the Dáil last debated the matter on 19 January. Information is now available regarding the operation of the war and the nature of its objectives which were not known to Members of the Dáil at that stage. In view of this, and especially in view of the launching of the ground war and indeed the news today that Saddam Hussein has begun a withdrawal from Kuwait and, despite this, the fact that the United States and its allies are intent on maintaining the war, it is essential that the Dáil should again discuss the matter. I therefore urge you to agree to my request.
If the Deputy had his way he would still be there.
Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle would inform the Deputy that I am in order.
Will Deputy Spring please state the matter of which he gave me notice.
I gave you notice a Cheann Comhairle, under Standing Order 30 of my intention to seek the suspension of public business to discuss an important motion which is as follows: That this House views with extreme concern the land war in the Gulf and the decision of the coalition forces to reject the peace plan put forward by the Soviet Government without any serious attempt at negotiation; that this House furthermore recognises that the military objectives of the coalition forces in the Gulf now clearly exceed the objectives laid down in successful United Nations resolutions. Accordingly this House repudiates the unequivocal statement of support for the land war issued by the Government and demands that the Government ally itself with those countries in the United Nations seeking a negotiated settlement rather than a military victory. I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to give that matter consideration.
Having considered the matters fully, I do not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 30. Therefore I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
Mr. O'Keeffe
On a point of order, for the sake of completeness, since the representatives of The Workers' Party and the Labour Party have given their views here, may I mention that I tabled a Private Notice Question requesting that the Government ensure that Iraq comply fully and unconditionally with all relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The Chair has made his decision and has conveyed it to the Deputy.
I merely wanted to put that on the record in case a totally distorted view might emerge from this House.
That is nonsense.
Please, Order of Business.