Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 30 from Deputy John Bruton.
Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 30.
I seek permission to suspend the Dáil under Standing Order 30 to allow a debate on the crisis in Irish Steel.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be one contemplated by the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion. As the House is well aware, this matter was the subject of questions yesterday, at least two of which were priority questions. It has also been the subject of discussion on the Adjournment.
The position has changed since then; today is D day — disaster day.
There will be ample opportunities for Members to advert to this matter during the Adjournment debate today and tomorrow.
Will the Taoiseach state whether the Dáil will be recalled to discuss the position at Irish Steel if it deteriorates?
These are hypothetical questions.
It is fair to say that anybody who reads the newspapers can see that the position at Irish Steel is deteriorating rapidly. It is a matter for this House as Ministers are shareholders.
There is still time to discuss this matter. It has been the subject of much discussion in the House and we can still have a discussion on it.
Will the Dáil be recalled to discuss the position at Irish Steel if it deteriorates?
This is not Question Time.
It is a reasonable question.
The Taoiseach should be asked to answer.
Does the Government have any regard for the importance of this House with regard to crises of this kind? Is it not possible for the Taoiseach to stand up and indicate what it intends to do if the position deteriorates at Irish Steel? Can we have a statement from the Taoiseach on how this problem will be resolved?
On the Order of Business.
The Taoiseach should not hide behind procedures; he should let us have his views.
This House is entitled to know the plans.