Vol. 276 No. 13
I move:
That a sum not exceeding £4,525,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the period commencing on the 1st day of April, 1974, and ending on the 31st day of December, 1974, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Labour including certain services administered by that Office, and for payment of certain grants-in-aid.
When will we have an opportunity of discussing the Estimate for the Department of Labour in view of the fact that it is almost two years since the matter was discussed in this House? Since then we have entered the EEC and there has been a change in emphasis but this House has not had an opportunity of discussing the matter. I ask that question in view of the statement made by the Minister for Labour on 20th February that if Members of the Opposition were worried about legislation coming into the House that they could hold their breath because over the next few weeks they would be choked with legislation but in that period only one Bill was presented to the House. Will the Minister permit me, or members of my party, to put down Private Members' motions in relation to unfair dismissals, worker participation and in relation to job enrichment for the disabled, legislation which was promised by the Minister for Labour some time ago?
The Chair has to carry out certain responsibilities.
This House had no opportunity over the last 18 months to express views in relation to the Department of Labour, the Department concerned with the well-being of the workers. It is a very important Department and a very important Estimate. Can we expect some type of activity from the Minister for Labour? Last night a Bill, consisting of two paragraphs, was presented to the House and it eventually finished up as half a Bill.
The Chair has to move on because the business has to be dealt with.
When are we going to get an opportunity of discussing the vital promise contained in the Estimate of the Department of Labour?
We have to move on.
On a point of order, the Deputy is on his feet.
We will vote against it and that will put a stop to this.
If the Deputy reads Standing Orders he will see that the House can have an opportunity of a token division on the Appropriation Bill but may not have it on these at this stage.
We can vote on any Estimate.
According to Standing Order 123, there can be a token division on the Appropriation Bill.
May I have a reply to my questions or is there a complete disregard for this Department in view of the fact that the Minister is missing on every occasion an important matter comes before the House?
Has the Minister for Labour gone to Australia again?
When can we have an opportunity of discussing the Estimate for the Department of Labour? One Bill presented by the Minister took 11 months to complete and another one is 9½ months in progress.
The Chair would like to point out to Deputies that an agreement was arrived at today and the Chair is carrying out the agreement in so far as it is being allowed to do so.
In view of the fact that the Minister said we will be choked with legislation, could we have some indication of what will happen in the future? Will the House discuss the Department of Labour Estimate at all?
Could the Minister indicate if we will be given an opportunity at any stage of discussing the changing problems inherent in the employment situation here, workers' rights and various matters promised by the Minister over the years?
I am sure the Deputy will, yes.
Could the Minister give an indication that this will be given at a very early stage in the new year?
That all depends on the Opposition. They dictate and determine what the House does as much as anybody else.
Could we have an undertaking that the Department of Labour Estimate will be taken early in the new year?
That is a matter for discussion between the Whips.
