Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of related notices under Standing Order 31 from Deputies Jim Higgins and Howlin. I propose to call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Mayo): I wish to raise on the Adjournment of the Dáil, under Standing Order 31, the following matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration: In the light of his early abandonment of his right to review a sentence, the circumstances surrounding the wrongful listing before the Dublin District Court on 12 November 1998 for the review of the sentence of a person serving a four year prison sentence on conviction of dangerous driving with excess alcohol which led to the death of a young mother; the failure to notify the Director of Public Prosecutions; the failure to notify the gardaí about the review hearing; and the subsequent release of this person having served only one year in prison.
I seek leave to adjourn the Dáil to discuss an important matter of public interest, namely, the urgent need for the Government to explain the circumstances which led to the suspension of three years of a four year sentence handed down to an individual convicted of dangerous driving causing death; the reason the DPP was not informed that the case was listed for hearing; and the reason the case was reviewed even though there was no provision before the court to allow for any such review.
Having considered the matters fully I do not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. I cannot grant leave, therefore, to move the motion.