Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a number of topics under Standing Order 31. I will call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I call Deputy Howlin.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I seek to move the adjournment of the Dáil to debate the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention, namely, the serious implications for the people of Wexford as a result of the proposed closure of the accident and emergency service at Wexford General Hospital arising from a dispute over the registration of non-consultant hospital doctors and the need for the Minister for Health and Children to take action to ensure the continuation of accident and emergency services at Wexford General Hospital.
Under Standing Order 31, I am seeking the adjournment of the Dáil to debate a matter of urgent national importance, namely, in light of the fact that 80% of neuro-surgical admissions are emergencies, and a $4 million donation of medical equipment is hanging by a thread due to Government inaction, there is an urgent need for the Minister for Health and Children to outline the reason a decision on the development of a neuro-surgical unit in the west of Ireland has been delayed and to immediately approve its development.
Under Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to debate an important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration, namely, the regular invasions by British Army personnel into County Louth, either on foot patrols or in military helicopters, on reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence, possibly for use by their colleagues in the Unionist killer gangs, such as outlined in the Steven's report, the measures the Defence Forces can take to repel or capture these invaders and if additional equipment or legislation will be required to ensure they are either captured or otherwise dealt with in the manner befitting an invading army, and what measures can be taken to end their occupation of any part of Ireland.
I am seeking the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to debate a matter of national importance, namely, the need for the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Education and Science with special responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to say why he has failed to reach agreement with the teaching staff of St. Joseph's School, Ferryhouse, Clonmel. If this matter is not resolved, strike action will be taken on Wednesday, 21 May, causing severe disruption to everyone concerned.
Under Standing Order 31, I am seeking the adjournment of the Dáil to debate a matter of important public interest, namely, to ask the Minister for Health and Children to intervene with the medical council to ensure the registration of two junior doctors at Wexford General Hospital in the interest of patient care for the people of County Wexford and to avoid the closure of the accident and emergency department in the hospital.
Under Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to address the escalating crisis in the health services, including the worsening public health doctors' dispute, the imminent closure of the accident and emergency department at Wexford General Hospital, the closure of a 25-bed unit in Crumlin Children's Hospital, the closure of 250 beds in the five main Dublin hospitals, the withdrawal of "on call" ambulance service by crews in County Wexford and the mounting pressure on health service workers and patients as a direct result of Government cuts and mismanagement.
Having considered all the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.