It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 6 (Vote 24), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (resumed), 15 (resumed) and 16. By agreement Vote No. 24 will be taken without debate and may be discussed in the debate on Votes Nos. 22 and 23 which will be ordered tomorrow. Private Members' Business will be taken between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. — No. 21 (resumed).
Order of Business.
Could I ask the Taoiseach if arrangements have been finalised for the scheduled meeting between himself and the British Prime Minister?
No.
Are arrangements under discussion?
A further meeting is contemplated.
In the near future?
I cannot say anything more at this stage.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Can the Taoiseach tell us the venue of the proposed meeting? Will it be in Dublin or elsewhere?
I cannot say at this stage.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Have there been any changes in the tentative arrangements made?
A further meeting between myself and the British Prime Minister is contemplated. For a number of reasons, mainly security reasons, I am not in a position to give any further details at this stage.
I fully appreciate the Taoiseach's reluctance to give details and I would not ask for them. What I am asking is——
We cannot have a debate on this. It does not arise.
Is a meeting scheduled to be held in the near future, as was announced by the Taoiseach——
I must proceed with the business of the House.
Surely the Taoiseach——
This is not on the Order of Business.
We are not looking for details.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Precedent establishes——
A number of questions have been asked and I will not allow a discussion. Item No. 1.
(Interruptions.)
I do not want to be disorderly but it appears one has to be to get attention in this House. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to make a statement on the unemployment figures issued yesterday?
That matter does not arise on the Order of Business.
Where is the Government's promise——
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
I am sorry, sir, but I am asking the Taoiseach to make a statement.
Is this on the Order of Business?
I am asking the Taoiseach——
I am not allowing that because it is not on the Order of Business. Deputy Deasy.
On the Order of Business, will the Taoiseach make a statement——
This is not in order.
I wish to give notice of my intention to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 25 on yesterday's Order Paper.
I will communiucate with the Deputy.
On a point of order, since I came into this House matters which may not have come within the strict terms of the Order of Business were raised and the Taoiseach discussed them. Do I take it that you, as Ceann Comhairle, intend to vary that procedure?
I am following Standing Orders and precedents.
I ask you to consider that matter in depth because while you may be following Standing Orders to the strictest rule, you are not complying with precedent.
This debate is totally out of order. Item No. 1. On a point of order, Deputy Mitchell.
Is it in order for me to ask the Taoiseach if he intends making time available in this House for a statement by him on the unemployment figures published yesterday, what the likely unemployment figures will be in January and when we will have the full employment promised by his party?
I have ruled that out of order.
I am asking if the Taoiseach will make a statement on the matter.
Item No. 1.
When does the Taoiseach expect to make an announcement in this House about the appointment of the Irish Commissioner to the EEC? Will it be in the near future?
None of this is in order.
(Interruptions.)
Item No. 1.