It is proposed to take Nos. 10 (Resumed) and 12. Private Members' Business will be taken between 7 and 8.30 p.m., No. 46 by agreement.
Order of Business.
Would the Tánaiste be prepared to declare to the House the contents of the proposals of the Minister for Fisheries, of which we have just heard in relation to a 50-mile conservation zone, a matter that has been in dispute in this House for a considerable time?
Surely the Deputy would need to ask a specific question about that.
The Tánaiste will note that I have had a specific question in this regard on the Order Paper for some days. It seems that the Minister for Fisheries has made an announcement on this matter but is not the House entitled to a statement here, as distinct from a statement made outside?
If the House wishes, I can give the Deputy informally an indication of what I had proposed to add by way of supplementary answer in respect of a later question which was not reached. I understand that the substance of the regulation will be that boats of more than 110 feet will not be allowed within an area designated by reference to base lines but no part of which is less than 50 miles from the mainland.
In the interest of the recognition of this House, I should point out that I have a question down on precisely this point. This question was directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, but it has been transferred to the Minister for Fisheries. The question has been down for at least four or five days. I must protest at the absolute contempt shown for this House and for the Members by reason of the Minister making the announcement outside on the issue concerned. If this is the way in which the Government wish to behave, they cannot expect support from this side.
It is not in order to debate the matter now.
What the Deputy is saying is unacceptable. Should the regulation have been held up until such time at the Deputy's question had been reached?
The announcement should have been made here.