When is it proposed to take the next Stage?
Protection of Employment Bill, 1976: First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the implementation of the Directive of the Council of the European Communities done at Brussels on the 17th day of February, 1975, regarding the approximation of the laws of member States of those Communities relating to collective redundancies, and to provide for other matters relating to that matter.
(Minister for Labour).
If possible, next Tuesday.
When is it proposed to circulate the Bill?
Later this week.
What progress is the Minister making with his other Bills? Is this all for the optics, this plethora of Bills without any prospect of finishing them?
I do not understand what the Leader of the Opposition is trying to represent. We are proceeding as rapidly as we can, as rapidly as time allows in this House to go through this legislation.
Has the Minister consulted with the Taoiseach's Parliamentary Secretary about the taking of this Bill next Tuesday?
Yes, I have been in contact with him and he will be in touch with the Opposition Whip.
Is the Minister aware that the Parliamentary Secretary did not indicate this Bill as one of the priority measures necessary for completion before the Christmas Recess?
The Leader of the Opposition knows there is a great amount of legislation going through at present, which does represent certain difficulties. There is a large volume of legislation being proceeded with by the Government and we have had a great deal of time taken up with Private Members' Business. I would like to disabuse the Leader of the Opposition of any idea about optics on this side of the House.
I hope the Minister is not motivated by a desire to replenish his image, as indicated in Saturday's newspapers.
How many Bills has the Minister listed for debate here on Tuesday next? How many other Bills in addition to this? There is too much bluff from the Minister and his side of the House? May I have an answer to that question? He probably does not know or probably does not remember how many.
Item No. 6.
May I have an answer to my question?
The Chair has facilitated the Deputy.
The Minister is silent.
The Deputy can talk for the rest of the day on the Worker Participation Bill.
Again, the Minister does not know.
Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, 14th December, 1976.