Vol. 543 No. 2
Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31 that deal 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 have received notices from Deputies Sean Ryan, Flanagan and Joe Higgins. I call on Deputy Ryan to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a significant matter of public interest requiring urgent attention, namely, the serious employment crisis now facing the north Dublin region as a result of the announcement of the loss of 450 jobs at the Celestica plant in Swords, as well as the threatened loss of more than 2,000 jobs at Aer Lingus and the earlier announcement of major job losses at Gateway and other plants; and the need for an immediate and targeted job creation programme for this area.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent national importance, namely, the multiple announcement of job losses over the past days, confirming the shedding of thousands of jobs throughout the State but particularly in north Dublin and the north-east; and to facilitate a response by the Government and an opportunity for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline to the Dáil the plans, if any, she has to address this matter.
(Dublin West): I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the threatened loss of thousands of jobs, especially in north and west Dublin and including Aer Lingus and telecoms-related jobs; the need for an urgent response from the Government; and the need to consider the high level of dependence on multinational corporations in the State.
Having given the matter full consideration the Ceann Comhairle does not consider it to be contemplated by Standing Order 31 and therefore he cannot grant leave to move the motion.
In regard to the second topic I have received notice from Deputy McManus. I call on Deputy McManus to state the matter.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate a matter of extreme public importance, namely, the attempts the Government is making to ensure that the full truth regarding the role of international pharmaceutical companies in the infection of haemophiliacs with hepatitis C and HIV emerges in a public inquiry, so that finality can be brought to the quest by haemophiliacs and their families for answers to this appalling episode in Irish health care.
Having considered the matter fully, the Ceann Comhairle does not consider it to be in order in accordance with Standing Order 31. In regard to the third topic I have received notice from Deputy McGinley.
I seek the adjournment of Dáil Éireann under Standing Order 31 to debate the following motion of urgent public importance, namely, the worsening financial crisis in RTE as outlined in the annual report just published. If left to develop, it may threaten the future of our national broadcasting service and, furthermore, may throw RTE into a fatal financial tailspin. This is primarily due to the Government's short-sighted and summary decision last July when it failed to address RTE's future funding in a realistic manner.
Having considered the matter fully, I do not consider it to be in order in accordance with Standing Order 31.
