It is proposed to take No. 15 (Vote 20) on the Order Paper.
Order of Business.
I understood that the Committee Stage of the Industrial Development Bill was to be taken at 4 o'clock and the Minister is delayed because of fog. If he returns will Justice be interrupted to take that Bill? I understand he wants it.
It is not a question of the Minister being delayed coming here. He was advised that because of fog there was a danger he might not get to London for tomorrow's talks. He had intended leaving by plane late this evening but an earlier departure was arranged so that he would be sure of getting to London in time.
In other words, the Bill will not be taken?
He had to go sooner than he anticipated.
I thank the Taoiseach.
The Order of Business was circulated from the Taoiseach's office this morning and we were informed that the Industrial Development Bill would be taken immediately after Questions. This has been changed. The Taoiseach has given the explanation that the appropriate Minister has been called away. Surely some other Minister or Parliamentary Secretary could take this Bill? The interpretation of the switch, as far as this Party is concerned, is that it is to try to save the Minister for Justice, Deputy Moran, from any further justifiable criticism on his Department's Estimate.
On the contrary. Deputy Donegan was gracious enough to acknowledge the reason I gave. I admit that the Opposition parties were told this morning that the Industrial Development Bill would be taken at 4 o'clock in Committee, but because of the weather conditions and because of the necessity of ensuring that the Minister for Industry and Commerce would get to London in time, he had to leave earlier than anticipated. The Opposition parties were immediately notified when this came to our notice. We are not responsible for the weather. As well as that, this is the Committee Stage of the Bill and it is usual that the Minister responsible would take the Committee Stage himself. It would be different if it were a Second Stage.
The Taoiseach will agree we were only informed at approximately 1.30 p.m.
That was the time we knew finally that the Minister would have to go earlier than anticipated.
Would the Taoiseach further agree that while it is usual for the Minister to take the Committee Stage himself, it does not necessarily apply? Surely there are enough Parliamentary Secretaries sitting around doing nothing.
Would the Taoiseach be able to tell us when the motion for the inquiry into RTE and money-lending is to take place?
Late this week or early next week.
Is there any possibility of the terms of the motion being submitted to Members prior to discussion in the House?
The terms of reference will be contained in the motion which will be addressed to the Clerk of the Dáil and then distributed.
I take it the usual notice will be given?
Certainly. I have said the discussion will take place at the end of this week or early next week in order to give the necessary notice.