It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 8 (resumed), 9, 10, 11, 12 (resumed) and 13. Private Members' Business will be from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. — item No. 20 (resumed).
Order of Business.
I would like to ask the Taoiseach would he make a statement to the House on the remarks made by Deputy Loughnane on two recent occasions?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
A Cheann Comhairle, I have had occasion before to protest at the stringency of your rulings. One is entitled to ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement.
It does not arise on the Order of Business.
Then I give notice that I intend to put down a private notice question on this matter and I would expect it to be accepted in view of the urgent public importance of the possible inflammatory impact of these remarks on members of the minority community in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Taoiseach for statements by members of his parliamentary party.
The Deputy cannot make a speech on this matter.
I have not. I have given notice of a question.
On the Order of Business, some time ago I asked the Taoiseach if the Bill to dissolve the NUI and to establish the colleges on an independent basis would be published. The Taoiseach informed me that I would be contacted by the Minister and this has not been done. I am now asking the Taoiseach again, in view of the statement made by members of his Government in relation to publication of the Bill, if and when it is going to be published?
I apologise to the Deputy if, as he says, the Minister did not contact him. I will ensure that he is contacted today.
Can the Taoiseach give reasons for the delay in setting up the National Film Board?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
The Taoiseach should communicate with the President and give the country a chance.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan-Monaghan): I raised the Turf Development Bill with the Tánaiste last week. I see now that it has been given a very low priority today. As I explained previously, the introduction of this Bill has very much prejudiced existing bog development grants which are cancelled pending the passing of this Bill. It is on the Order Paper now for months and grants that were available last year are not available this year. It seems to me to be a device for saving money.
Do the Opposition wish it to be taken more expeditiously than I am suggesting?
(Cavan-Monaghan): I want the Bill enacted so that there will be no excuse for continuing to withhold grants.
I accept the Opposition's wish to have this excellent legislation expedited. We will see if we can facilitate them.
(Interruptions.)
Item No. 7 on the Order Paper is a motion relating to the establishment of a tribunal to inquire into the fire at the Central Hotel in Bundoran. When is it intended to move this? Is it intended to move it at all?
Again, might I suggest that we might have this discussed between the Whips. We are also anxious to have this established as quickly as possible. If there is going to be a debate about it, it would hold up other urgent business. Perhaps again the Whips could discuss it. If we could have agreement on the time to be allocated to it we could perhaps get it on the Order Paper more quickly.
It is great to watch such a determined, decisive man in action.
(Interruptions.)