It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4, 6 and in 6 Vote 39 resumed. The Supplementary Estimate to be introduced today for Vote 39 and No. 6 (Vote 44). Private Members Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., Item No. 78 by agreement. Also by agreement it is proposed that the Supplementary Estimate for Agriculture, Item No. 6, Vote 39 (resumed), will be passed without further debate on the understanding that the debate can continue on the token Supplementary Estimate for that Vote, which will be introduced today.
Order of Business.
Given that the Taoiseach has indicated his desire that matters of public and urgent importance should be discussed in the House, is it his intention to take the initiative by making a statement today on the CIE dispute which is causing so much disruption? What action do the Government propose to solve the dispute and to solve our continuing industrial relations problems?
That matter is not in order.
I am only asking the Taoiseach——
I am well aware of what the Deputy is asking and it is out of order to raise it on the Order of Business.
On a point of order, is it in order for me to raise matters of urgent public importance which are affecting so many people today and which will affect many more people tomorrow if something is not done?
That is not in order on the Order of Business.
On a point of order.
Will the Deputy allow me to continue? For example, the Deputy could have submitted a Private Notice Question. It might have been in order, but I cannot say that it would have been. But it is certainly not in order to raise this on the Order of Business.
On a point of order. I would draw the Chair's attention to the fact that the Taoiseach indicated a few times that he is anxious to allow the House to discuss matters of public and urgent importance. Will the Taoiseach take the initiative of making a statement as to the solution to this——
—— and to our industrial relations problems?
The Taoiseach has already stated that he is willing to have discussions with the leaders of the parties. This question is not in order.
(Interruptions.)
The Taoiseach is prepared to talk on television and at press conferences but not in this House.
This question is not in order.
(Interruptions.)
On the Order of Business, why did the Taoiseach not honour the undertaking that he gave in the Dáil last week that he would contact me with regard to making arrangements for reform of Dáil procedure to deal with matters of urgent importance?
What I said was that I hoped to contact the Deputy this week. I still hope to do that.
My recollection of the Taoiseach's statement was that he had been in touch with the Leader of Fine Gael on the previous day and that he intended to get in touch with me that day
The Deputy may have taken it that is what I said but what I intended was that I would contact the Deputy with a view to trying to arrange a meeting this week.
Was I correct in assuming——
There is no need to get unduly excited. If the Deputy wishes the meeting to be fruitful and harmonious perhaps he would take a different attitude to the holding of it.
If things are to be fruitful and harmonious they must be based on truth.
You virtuous man.
The Taoiseach has indicated his desire to have matters of urgent public importance discussed in the Dáil. What is more urgent than the serious dispute in CIE? Will the Taoiseach be afforded an opportunity by the Chair to make a statement on whether or not ——
No. I am responsible for order in the Dáil and that is out of order on the Order of Business.
I have no wish to fall out with the Chair but a lot of other people will if the Chair does not allow this to be discussed.
The Deputy could have submitted a Private Notice Question on that matter. I am moving on to item No. 4.
In view of the exchanges that have taken place and in recognition of the Chair's difficulty, will the Taoiseach state what progress has been made in relation to this matter and could he give some timetable as to when this kind of scene can be avoided in the future?
I have no idea as to what the Deputy is referring.
I am referring to the undertaking that a reform of the procedures would be made whereby matters such as that which was attempted to have been raised today could be raised in accordance with the orders of the House.
As Deputy Cluskey put forward the suggestion, the next step is an informal meeting between myself and the leaders of the two Opposition parties.
I am moving on now.
Will that take place before Christmas?
If the atmosphere is conducive, it could be held this week.
Do I understand that it is conditional on the atmosphere?
This is not a matter for the Chair. I am moving on to Item No. 4.