Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 31 submitted by Deputy Joe Higgins.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Dublin West): Under Standing Order 31 I seek the Adjournment of the Dáil to discuss an urgent matter of public importance, namely, to allow the Minister for Health and Children to make a statement in the Dáil on the urgent measures he will take to deal with the increase of more than 3,000 patients on the hospital waiting lists to a total of more than 36,000, and the strategy he will put in place to end the appalling suffering of people on the waiting lists.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.