Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 31 from Deputies McManus, Jim Higgins and Upton.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I request the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific matter of public interest: the threat by thousands of members of the Garda Síochána to take sick leave on Friday leaving large sections of the country seriously underpoliced; the arrangements the Government is making to ensure adequate policing of the country and the security and safety of citizens; and the steps the Government intends to take to secure a settlement to the pay dispute with the Garda Representative Association.
(Mayo): I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration: the major threat to the security of the State and to public order and safety posed by the threatened and anticipated actions of individual members of the Garda Síochána; the failure of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to manage pay negotiations with the Garda, especially in light of the clear and unequivocal commitments given on the issue of Garda pay by the Minister as his party's spokesperson in Opposition; and the urgent need for the Minister to outline to the House the contingency arrangements which have been put in place to ensure State security, public order and public safety are maintained and upheld at all times.
Dr. Upton
I seek the Adjournment of Dáil Éireann to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance: the breakdown in negotiations between the Garda Representative Association and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, over pay negotiations and the consequent threat to the safety and security of the public arising from that matter.
I consider the matter to be one contemplated by the Standing Order and, accordingly, to be in order. As Deputy McManus's motion was received first, I propose to take her motion. I now ask the Deputies who support the request to rise in their places.
More than 12 Members rose.
I grant leave to make the motion. In accordance with Standing Orders, it will be taken at 3.30 p.m. and will conclude at 4.45 p.m., unless the Dáil otherwise orders.