I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31. I will call on the Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent importance, namely, that the Minister for Health and Children approve the €2 million necessary for the opening of the new state-of-the-art hospital facilities which have remained idle for the past 15 months at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, particularly in view of the recently announced windfall tax increases to the Exchequer.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss the continuing obstruction by Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats of any scrutiny of the proposals for decentralisation which were introduced under cover of the Budget Statement and for which no evaluation or strategic plan has been published. No risk assessment of the effect on the agencies has been provided and no human resource plan has been developed.
The added urgency for a debate is created by the imminent deadline by which 10,000 public servants must apply for the retention of their jobs at specified regional locations or face a totally uncertain future. This dilemma is particularly acute for those working in State agencies who have not been given any right of transfer. The national importance of such a debate arises from the constitutional obligation under Article 28.4.1 of the Government to be responsible to the Dáil.
I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to debate the following issues of major importance, namely, the ongoing and inexplicable failure of the Northern Area Health Board and the Minister for Health and Children to provide the funds to open the new accident and emergency unit at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, the burden on staff and patients being forced to utilise the old dilapidated accident and emergency unit, which is in an entirely unsatisfactory condition, and the need to remove restrictions on Blanchardstown hospital regarding recruitment of staff who are urgently needed to provide a proper service to the catchment area where the population is expanding exponentially.
Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.