Vol. 542 No. 2
Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 on two 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 have received notice from Deputy Owen. I call on Deputy Owen to state the matter.
I propose that Dáil Éireann be suspended under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of immediate national importance, the situation in Aer Lingus where 2,500 permanent jobs are to be axed, and to allow the Minister for Public Enterprise or her representatives to inform the Dáil regarding the viability plan which is to be presented to the EU today.
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 second topic, I have received notice from Deputy Trevor Sargent. I call on Deputy Sargent to state the matter.
I request, under Standing Order 31, that Dáil Éireann be adjourned to address the urgent security concerns following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and the war in Afghanistan, particularly in view of media reports, quoting senior security sources, that a hijacking at Dublin Airport for a terrorist attack on the United Kingdom has been averted, and to ascertain what additional security measures have been put in place, not just at our airports and ports, but also in relation to countering other terrorist measures such as the current anthrax scares.
Having con sidered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31. Therefore, I cannot grant leave to move the motion.
