Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 which deal with two topics. I propose to deal with the topics separately and 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 Deputy Connaughton and call on him to state the matter of which he has given notice.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the need to make available the £6 million development grant for the Galway greyhound track originally committed by Bord na gCon and announced by the Minister and which has recently been reduced to £3.1 million. Given the strategic importance of the track to developing the greyhound industry in the west, the £6 million should be made available.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, cannot grant leave to move the motion. In regard to the second topic, I received notice from Deputy Joe Higgins and call on him to state the matter of which he has given notice.
(Dublin West): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of critical, urgent and national importance, namely, the revelations made to the Cabi net by senior officials in the Department of Health and Children that under-investment in the health system has been endemic, that capacity deficits remain and that £1.2 billion is needed to renew and replace equipment, and the failure of the Government to acknowledge this position and make an emergency plan to rectify the problems in the health service.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be one contemplated by Standing Order 31 and, therefore, cannot grant leave to move the motion.