May I ask the Taoiseach if, in view of the defeat of the contraceptives Bill last night and the damaging representations that defeat may have in relation to the Six-County situation, he has taken or will take immediate steps to endeavour to get a suitable, and if possible an agreed, alternative proposal before the House as soon as possible?
Business of Dáil.
No, Sir.
Will the Taoiseach indicate what business will be taken next week and the proposed days and hours of sittings?
By agreement, it is proposed to take the Finance Bill on the first two days and the Adjournment Debate on the Taoiseach's Estimate on the two following days.
Have the hours been fixed? Will they be from 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday for the Finance Bill; 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Thursday and 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday for the Adjournment Debate?
Yes.
I did not hear the Taoiseach's answer to my question.
Would the Taoiseach say——
I did not hear the answer to my question.
Will the Deputy please allow Deputy Cunningham to speak?
I did not hear the answer to my question.
Deputy Cunningham asked me a question.
The Taoiseach answered my question but I did not hear him. I am merely asking him for the courtesy of repeating the answer.
The Chair has no control over matters of this kind.
The Chair does not seem to have control over very much.
May I ask the Taoiseach if it is proposed in this session to give time to discuss my motion which refers to the order made by the Minister for Agriculture with regard to the Foyle Fisheries regulations?
It was not the intention to take it this session. As the Deputy is aware, the requirement is within 21 sitting days. Only 13 days have elapsed and there will still be time after the Dáil resumes.
Is the Taoiseach aware that this is a breach of precedent, that time was given in this session for a previous motion? Further, is he aware that by the time 21 sitting days have elapsed we will be in the winter season and the fishing season will be concluded?
The Deputy is probably aware there are technical counts being taken on this matter and that that process is proceeding at present. Until the counts have concluded, which is the normal procedure, it would be premature to discuss the matter.
Is the Taoiseach aware——
I have given the Deputy the opportunity of raising the matter on the Order of Business. We cannot allow a discussion.
It was presented to the House——
We cannot discuss the matter at this stage. I am calling item No. 1.
The Deputy is aware that the requirement is that it must be considered within 21 sitting days. As I have explained, the 21 sitting days will not have elapsed and, therefore, the House will have an opportunity of considering the motion within the required time. I understand from the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries that certain technical matters are being assessed by the Foyle Fisheries and it would be premature to consider it until these matters are concluded.
Why then make the order?
I have not been able to get a reply from the Taoiseach with regard to my question. I apologise to the Chair but it is not my fault.
Neither is it the fault of the Chair.
On the assumption that the answer was in the negative, in the circumstances of last night——
We cannot go back on that matter.
I am merely asking, if, assuming his answer was in the negative, does he propose to resign as Taoiseach or dissolve Dáil Éireann on a vote of confidence.
I have called item No. 1.
Ba mhaith liom a chur in iúl go bhfuil sé ar intinn agam ábhar ceist 17 a phlé ar an Athló.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he will give a First Reading to No. 5 on the Order Paper—the Misuse of Drugs Bill, 1974. It has been on the Order Paper for a considerable time and nothing has been done during the lifetime of this Dáil with regard to this matter.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Health has a Bill on this subject and it is proposed to consider the matter when that Bill is discussed.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Bill in the name of the Minister for Health was put down in March, 1973, but it has not yet been circulated? In the meantime young people are suffering grievously as a result of this problem while the Garda have not sufficient powers to deal with the matter.
May I ask the Taoiseach if item No. 4—the Offences Against the State (Repeal) Bill, 1974 —might be given early consideration before this session ends since the Dáil does not appear to be coming to an end by the Taoiseach deciding to resign.
The answer is in the negative.