Deputy Gene Fitzgerald and I have a Private Notice Question submitted to the Minister for Energy today in relation to the announcement in this morning's newspapers of a decision by the ESB to close a substantial number of turf burning and other generating stations. In view of the fact that the closures of those and a number of retail outlets in the ESB are imminent and are liable to happen within a very short time, perhaps as a result of discussions taking place tomorrow, would the Chair feel that it is appropriate to allow the question?

The Chair considered the question very carefully and arrived at a clear decision that the question does not comply with the criteria laid down for Private Notice Questions.

I do not want to argue with the Chair about the matter, but it is of considerable urgency. Unfortunately, the Government and the Minister for Energy have made no statement on it.

I cannot allow a statement on it. I am sorry.

In those circumstances would the Chair allow me, because of the urgency of the matter, to raise it on the Adjournment?

The Chair will communicate with Deputy O'Malley.