Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of related notices under Standing Order 31 from Deputies Yates and Joe Higgins. I propose to call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I first call Deputy Yates to state the matter of which he has given me notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the urgent matter of the decision by KPN and Telia to sell their shareholding and withdraw from Eircom and the consequent effects it will have on the Irish telecommunications sector and Eircom in the context of future investment, staffing, payments to the Exchequer and statements made at the time of the sale. While it has been selected for the Adjournment, this matter requires a much more comprehensive debate in the House.
I now call Deputy Joe Higgins.
(Dublin West): Under Standing Order 31, I seek leave to move the adjournment of the Dáil on the following issue of urgent public importance, which is, the decision of KPN and Telia to sell a 35 per cent share of Eircom, a crucial national service, and the implications for the Irish telecommunications sector being made the subject of speculation on the Stock Exchange.
Having considered the matters fully, I do not consider them to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach said in the House that the Eircom price had increased today. According to the latest tally, as the Taoiseach may be aware, since yesterday £300 million has been wiped off the price of Eircom.
Deputy Bruton, that is not a point of order.
The Taoiseach should probably correct the record. The price has fallen, not increased.
I would remind Members of the House that, as I have just announced, Deputies Yates and O'Shea have raised the matter on the Adjournment and the matter has been allowed.
Five per cent this morning.
Who sold it for a knock-down price?
The Taoiseach made a statement, which I know was inadvertent on his part, which was not correct. I think the Taoiseach would probably like to correct the record here.
Deputy Bruton, it is not a point of order.