I move: "That the Second Stage be ordered for Tuesday, 12 June 1979."
European Assembly (Irish Representatives) Bill, 1979: Order for Second Stage.
What is the purpose of the Bill? Where did it come from? Why is it coming up now a week before the elections?
It deals with the payment of allowances and provisions, if necessary, in respect of pensions to members of the European Parliament.
Those who will be elected next Thursday?
Yes.
Why was this not foreseen 12 months ago when the Bill setting up the machinery for the elections was dealt with? Why was it not introduced then?
The Deputy will recall that there was not agreement among the members of the European Community as to the overall approach to the payment of members of the European Parliament.
There is not agreement now.
There is a kind of general agreement on the approach to it by the Heads of Government.
Exactly. There was a casual reference after the Bremen Summit by the Heads of Government that it should be as in home Parliaments. I cannot understand why this is coming before us now. Is there any connection with next Thursday's election?
The only connection is that it is thought appropriate that the Bill should be introduced and circulated before the election takes place.
Is the Minister aware that Parliament itself decided that the recommendation of the Heads of State and Government after their dinner in Bremen was an utter nonsense and Parliament is not prepared to accept the situation that there be nine different rates of pay for the one job. That is Parliament's official position.
When will it be circulated?
It has been circulated.
We did not get it yet. Is the Minister in a position to indicate the precise allowance?
Broadly speaking, the position will be the same as membership of this House.
Question put and agreed to.