Vol. 309 No. 8
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the talks in Siena between the Italian Prime Minister and Chancellor Schmidt in which the problem of underdeveloped regions and the adequate transfer of resources as part of the new EMS was discussed, he will now seek a meeting with Chancellor Schmidt to ensure an adequate resource transfer to meet our development needs in the event of our accession to the EMS.
2.
andDr. FitzGerald asked the Taoiseach if, having received a report from An Tánaiste on his visit to Bonn, he will now make arrangements to meet the German Chancellor before 4 December 1978.
3.
andDr. FitzGerald asked the Taoiseach if he has made arrangements to meet the British Prime Minister before 4 December 1978; and, if not, if he intends to do so.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos 1, 2 and 3 together.
As announced recently, I shall be meeting President Giscard d'Estaing, Prime Minister Callaghan and Federal Chancellor Schmidt for discussions on the proposals for a European Monetary System in Paris, London and Bonn, respectively, on 22, 27 and 28 November.
Can the Minister tell us whether at the meeting with the German Chancellor the Taoiseach will be seeking aid from Germany directly or whether he will be seeking Community aid, and can he state, in the event of adequate aid being forthcoming from either Germany bilaterally or from the Community, whether any contingency plans are ready here for implementation of an employment protection scheme, utilising such funds?
That is a separate question. We cannot allow the scope of these questions to be widened.
It is of central relevance to provide employment protection from any funds that may be made available. It is not my fault if it is the Minister of State who is replying for the Taoiseach. I am sure the Minister has been briefed to give answers to these relevant questions.
The Chair does not consider it is a relevant question.
The Chair cannot interpose its authority to prevent Deputies discussing the need of the Irish people for employment protection and for the relief of unemployment. What we are seeking is an assurance that such protection will be forthcoming.
The Chair is only concerned with matters which are relevant.
This is relevant.
I had prepared a number of supplementaries which I had hoped to put to the Taoiseach. Will the Taoiseach be present to answer questions next week?
Yes.
There are several questions I should like to put to him. What is the position about the proposed white, green or other coloured paper? Bearing in mind that the United Kingdom——
The Deputy could more appropriately put these questions on the Order of Business.
