Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Before coming to the Order of Business, I propose to deal with a notice under Standing Order 32.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise a matter of urgent national importance, namely the need for the Government to introduce a statutory cooling-off period before essential transport workers such as air traffic controllers can withdraw their labour and have a wildcat strike thus bringing chaos and disruption to tens of thousands of travellers and damaging our economy.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Having considered the matter raised, it is not in order under Standing Order 32.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Why not? Start the new year on a positive note.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I think the Ceann Comhairle will deal with the matter later.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will deal with it in an alternative way.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I smell a bit of wee county co-operation in the air.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Wait until the Taoiseach hears me this afternoon. I will be seeking his co-operation to lead the House in discussing wildcat strikes and jobs.