Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with two different topics. I propose to deal with these two topics separately and will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I call on Deputy Joe Higgins to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Dublin West): I am sorry, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. I submitted a private notice question on the Abbeylara tragedy which was not allowed.
There was also a notice under Standing Order 31 in the Deputy's name.
The Deputy is more efficient than he realises.
I call on Deputy Bruton to state the matter of which he has given notice to me.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to consider the following matter of urgent public importance: the crisis in confidence in the political system arising from recent revelations at the Flood tribunal and the need for all Members of the House to discuss together new methods of funding political parties and their activities and those of political candidates so as to restore public confidence in the profession of politics and Dáil Éireann and for the leaders of all parties in the House to meet together within seven days to consider the issue.
Having considered the matter fully the Ceann Comhairle does not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31. He cannot allow leave therefore to move the motion.