It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 12 and 13 (resumed). Private Members' Business will be taken from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., No. 43 by agreement.
Order of Business.
You will note, Sir, that the resumed budget debate has not been ordered for today and, from information received from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach, it is not proposed to resume it tomorrow either. I can understand the Government's reluctance to direct attention to the budget in the economic position we are in, but is it not completely without precedent that the budget debate, having been started, is not to be resumed until next Thursday and then relegated to a comparatively minor position? Can the Taoiseach explain why this is so?
The only reason is we have to get through some of the other business and I think the Leader of the Opposition is aware that most Members who attend the Dáil attend specifically during the longer sitting days and Thursday is normally a day on which debate can proceed without necessitating the attendance of all Members.
That is about the lamest excuse I ever heard. It is, I think, a proper question on the Order of Business and, as far as urgent legislation is concerned, I am told that the Planning Bill, which has been completely ignored by the Government and deliberately put out of the way by the Minister for Local Government, now becomes a matter of urgency while the budget debate, which is an important matter—it is important people should know what the views of Members are on such a matter—is put out of its proper place. This is treating the House and the public with scandalous disrespect. The obvious intention is that the budget debate will be taken for a couple of hours this week and a couple of hours next week and the public will be given the impression that the debate has been dragging on for weeks, though very limited time has really been given to it.
The Deputy was complaining only last week that we were not proceeding with the Planning Bill. Now when we propose to proceed with it the Deputy has a different complaint.
What is the urgency about the Company Taxation Bill which is getting pride of place here today?
That has been fully explained. There is an income tax agreement involved in it and that is why it has to be passed.
This is another example of this Government not facing up to their responsibilities, not facing up to criticism, indeed running away from it every time they get a chance.
We do not mind any legitimate criticism.
The Government will get plenty of legitimate criticism here in this House if they give us a chance.
The Opposition have had plenty of chances. They have had hours and hours of Private Members' time.
We had a great deal to criticise. The Government are obviously afraid of criticism of the budget, because they are so vulnerable, and of the economy generally.
Might I ask what has happened to item No. 17 on the Order Paper, the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) (Amendment) Bill? I understand it has not yet been circulated. I was wondering if the difficulties referred to two weeks ago had been overcome or what is the reason? When is it expected the Bill will come before the House?
I will check on it and give the Deputy a reply tommorrow.
In that respect, have the legal difficulties to which the Taoiseach referred in relation to our membership of the Common Market and our obligations under it been solved?
That has caused all the delay in drafting the Bill.
In view of the fact that the Minister for Labour is in the House perhaps the Taoiseach would consult with him. He must be aware of the situation and that would save the Taoiseach tommorrow. Can the Minister for Labour give us the information?