Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice of motion under Standing Order 32 from Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. I call on the Deputy to state the matter of which she has given notice.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 32, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention, namely, the need for the Minister for Transport to make a full statement on the disclosure that his Department was aware of plans by Aer Lingus to scrap its Shannon-Heathrow routes and transfer the service to Belfast six weeks before he claims to have been made aware of the proposal and to outline the reason the Government took no action in regard to such a major threat to job creation and economic investment in the west and mid-western region. In view of the importance of this issue, I hope the Ceann Comhairle will agree to my request.
Having considered the matter, it is not in order under Standing Order 32.
Surely there must be a way for the Minister for Transport to respond to the concerns I have raised, given that his Department knew Aer Lingus was about to take an action which would have a significant impact on the mid-west region and which the Government could have averted.
As the Deputy is well aware, there are other ways of raising the matter.
Surely it can be discussed in some form in the House today.
Yes, but it cannot be discussed under Standing Order 32.
The Minister with responsibility for these matters must address the issue in the House today.
I hope the Minister for Transport will respond to the Private Notice Question I have tabled.
We have not had yet had the Order of Business.