It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 6 (resumed), 7 (resumed), 8 and 10. Private Members' Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. will be No. 77, by agreement.
Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach indicate when the amending legislation on the Army Pensions Act is to be introduced? There were discussions between me and the former Minister for Defence, Deputy Molloy, and before Christmas the present Minister told me that this legislation would be introduced in the new year. In view of what our troops are going through in the Middle East, overlooking this matter for four months does not seem to be indicative of our concern for them. It should be treated as a matter of urgency and would take only about 20 minutes.
I will let the Deputy know today.
Will the Taoiseach take the opportunity before the Dáil adjourns this week of making a statement on the latest position with regard to the Lebanon, possibly on Thursday when he has heard from the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest position following the meeting at present in progress? I would hope for the Taoiseach's co-operation.
I should be anxious to keep the House fully informed but the situation is moving very rapidly, changing from hour to hour. I shall try to decide what is the best time to make some statement in the House.
May I ask the Taoiseach when the Finance Bill for 1980 will be introduced?
The Whips are in touch about that at the moment.
Does the Taoiseach appreciate that this is not an ordinary piece of legislation? A considerable amount of time is required between publication and Second Stage, for people outside this House to make representations on it and the final day for Second Stage is 15 May.
I understand that there will be 100 sections in the Bill. We shall have to bear that in mind in discussions.
So that there will be ample time for a Second Reading debate?
We hope so, but there will have to be a discussion between the Whips.
If there is to be ample time for a Second Stage debate, the Bill would have to be published within the next 48 or 72 hours. Will that be done?
I cannot guarantee that.
If it is published any time after that there will not be proper time for debate in the House.
I appreciate that. We shall endeavour to meet the wishes of the Opposition as best we can.
Will the Taoiseach let me know when it will be published?
Yes, we shall let you know this evening.