It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4, 1, 12 (resumed), 13 (resumed), 14 (resumed), 15, 2 (Order for Second Stage followed by Second Stage), 5 and 6. I propose to make a statement to the House at 3.30 p.m. on the recent Summit Meeting of the EEC Heads of Government in London. Private Members' Business 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., No. 24 (resumed).
Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach give us some information about the proposed legislation dealing with rent controlled dwellings following the Supreme Court decision earlier this year? He will agree that this will be fairly complex but important legislation. I would like to know when we will have this Bill because I understand it is necessary to have the legislation passed before the recess, and we are prepared to facilitate the Government in having it so passed. It is very important that we have the Bill at an early stage and on this occasion I would ask the Taoiseach to let us have, with the Bill, a very comprehensive Explanatory Memorandum.
The Bill will be circulated tomorrow, with a view to it being discussed next week, as agreed by the Whips.
Can the Taoiseach give us some information about sittings? If he cannot perhaps he might communicate with us during the course of the day. I understand it was discussed between the Whips that we will rise on 17 December and perhaps the Taoiseach can give some indication when the House might resume after the recess. What are the plans for the publication of the Book of Estimates, the budget and so on?
So far as the remaining sittings are concerned, that matter has been agreed between the Whips. As regards resumption in January, consideration has not yet been given to the date of resumption. I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as that has been decided.
And the publication of the Book of Estimates?
I will communicate the likely dates of publication to the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 13 of Thursday, 26 November.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Will the Taoiseach tell the House the Government's strategy now that the pay talks appear to have finally broken down? What are the Government's intentions and what advice do they have to offer in the new situation?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
If I might be allowed to reply? This matter will be considered by the Government in the immediate future. The Deputy will appreciate that news of the breakdown came only yesterday and the Government have not had an opportunity to consider the position.
When do the Government intend considering the position and will they make a statement as a matter of extreme urgency?
The Government will be considering the matter next week. As to what action will be taken at that stage by way of statement or otherwise, that is a matter for the Government to decide when they meet.
Is the Minister not aware that the old national wage understanding has expired for all? Does he not agree that the next meeting of the Government next week does not appear to be giving the attention needed to this most important national problem?
I cannot see how the matter can be dealt with except by the Government next week. There cannot be any earlier meeting than the next meeting.
When is the next meeting?
We will be deciding today. That is a matter for the Government.
Is the Taoiseach indicating——
When does Question Time finish?
——that the Government have no decision and that nothing was prepared in the event of a breakdown of these talks?
No, and the Deputy knows perfectly well I am indicating nothing of the kind.
If the Taoiseach anticipated the possibility of a breakdown yesterday and had something prepared in that eventuality, why can we not know this morning what that is?
I do not propose to pursue the very grave matter further here. The circumstances of a breakdown could not be foreseen and it is now up to the Government, in the light of the situation arising from that breakdown to consider what action to take.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is treating a matter of the utmost gravity and national importance in a very airy-fairy manner to tell this House that we have to wait for the next Government meeting to know what is going to happen?
The Deputy is being absurd.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the apparent abandonment by this Government of the second adult education building programme, with particular reference to Knocklyon, Grange and Rathfarnham.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I would like the Chair's advice on the scenes that occurred here last Wednesday night which were without precedent. Members of the Fine Gael Party came here to disrupt the Adjournment Debate on the establishment of an AnCO training centre at Bantry. I was deprived of ten minutes of my time and I should like to know the ruling of the Chair in view of that.
Is the Deputy seeking permission to raise a matter on the Adjournment.
I believe there is no precedent for what occurred, the rowdy scenes which were indulged in by some Members of the Fine Gael Party.
Is the Deputy seeking permission to raise the matter on the Adjournment? He cannot discuss that matter now.
Yes.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.