It is proposed to take No. 17 (Votes 48 and 26) and No. 3, No. 3 to be taken in conjunction with Vote 48. Questions at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach whether there is any reason why no legislation has been introduced in this past week in view of the fact that so often we are informed that there is a build-up and that there is not enough time for legislation? A week has gone by without any.
The Estimates are part of the Business of the House and we want to get them through, naturally. The Minister for Local Government is away at the European Environment Congress and there is a Bill currently before the House for which he is responsible. The Deputy can be assured that it is hoped to resume consideration of legislation next week.
The lack of legislation will not adversely affect the recess date?
For a couple of years past the criticism against the Government was that we were not dealing with the Estimates. Apparently now it is that we are not going ahead with legislation. You cannot have it both ways.
Has the Taoiseach considered the possibility of making time available for the discussion of the report produced by the United Nations Consultative Body on the inhumanity of man to man which was published last week in Washington and London?
No, I have given it no consideration.