Vol. 536 No. 1
Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 dealing with three different topics. I propose to deal with these topics separately and I will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
In regard to the first topic, I received notice from Deputies Flanagan and Jim Higgins. I call first on Deputy Flanagan to state the matter of which he has given notice.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following matter of urgent public importance: the severe adverse consequences, including loss and damage to enterprise, business and commerce throughout the State, of the current rail dispute; and the need for a resolution to be found as a matter of urgency.
(Mayo): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter requiring urgent consideration: the strike by Iarnród Éireann train drivers which has now entered its third day with no sign of a resolution; the failure of the Taoiseach and of the Minister for Public Enterprise to take any follow-up action or respond to correspondence they received regarding the dispute from the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union on 19 April last; and the devastating consequences for commuters and industry, particularly the tourism industry for which figures show that business is already down 30% because of the foot and mouth disease crisis.
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 motions.
In regard to the second topic, I have received notice from Deputy Sargent. I now call on the Deputy to state the matter.
I wish, under Standing Order 31, to have the Dáil adjourned to examine the implications of the prediction by the Department of Finance that the national development plan costs will increase by 50% and the likelihood that this would have a disproportionately adverse effect on the improvements planned in public transport infrastructure. In the light of the chaos in Iarnród Éireann I hope you will agree that this matter warrants urgent attention.
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.
In regard to the third topic, I have received notice from Deputy Enright. I now call on the Deputy to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance: the decision by the Tánaiste, as reported in newspapers on 8 May, to refuse compensation to victims of sexual abuse suffered while attending Walsh Island national school in County Offaly and other schools in Counties Offaly and Kilkenny, in light of the fact that this decision is at variance with a statement made by the then Minister for Education and Science on 3 December 1998 and the apology by the Taoiseach to victims of sexual abuse.
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.
