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 topics separately and will call on the 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 Joe Higgins and Deputy Jim Higgins.
Request to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
(Dublin West): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of crucial public importance, namely, the disastrous decision by the Government to sell 35% of Aer Lingus to private concerns and the need to secure a different policy of State investment in the national airline to avoid 2,000 job losses and develop the company as a secure entity.
(Mayo): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate the following matter requiring consideration, namely, the decision by the Government to sell 35% of Aer Lingus in spite of previous Government assurances that privatisation of the company was off the agenda for the foreseeable future; the loss of 2,026 jobs at the company and the devastating consequences for the employees involved, their families and the future of the national carrier.
Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in order in accordance with Standing Order 31 as it was dealt with by way of private notice questions yesterday and will continue to be kept under consideration for the remainder of this week.
In regard to the second topic I have received notice from Deputy Sargent.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to consider the necessary reciprocal and confidence building measures needed following the historic and welcome decommissioning of IRA arms as verified by General de Chastelain.
Again, having considered the matter fully I do not consider it to be in order in accordance with Standing Order 31.