It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 7 (resumed) and 8. Private Members' Business will be No. 32.
Order of Business.
In view of the commitment given to this House last week, would the Taoiseach indicate what progress has been made since last Tuesday in the talks concerning the future of the Irish Dunlop Company in Cork?
I am not in a position to give an answer to that question without notice, although I do not know if it arises on the Order of Business.
The Taoiseach does not have any interest in this matter.
In view of the fact that in recent days the Taoiseach seemed to be intent on trying to clarify what he did or did not say in certain newspapers, one would have thought he would be more familiar with the situation. More important, would he tell the Cork Deputies, perhaps later today or tomorrow morning, what progress has been made in the last week?
I will be glad to give any information possible, subject to confidentiality.
I wish to raise on this evening's Adjournment the question of the former proprietors of the Kerrigan Group of companies — now in liquidation with a reported deficit of £1 million at particular cost to small public investors — starting up another business involving the handling of substantial public funds before the question of their personal liability in the companies under liquidation has been resolved.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
When will the Government introduce legislation to deal with trawlers flying flags of convenience, in view of the very serious incident at Cahirciveen yesterday?
That is not relevant on the Order of Business.
The House was promised legislation——
Yes, it was promised several weeks ago.
The legislation is in preparation and will be introduced——
In three weeks?
— within the next few weeks. I do not have the exact date, but I think it will be early in June.
I would like the Taoiseach to deal with this because there is a certain amount of urgency involved in view of the incident in Cahirciveen yesterday.
I share the Deputy's concern.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to make a statement or to personally intervene in relation to the crisis in the school transport situation?
There is a motion before the House this evening dealing with that subject and the Deputy is out of order.
I would like to remind the Taoiseach——
I would like to remind the Deputy that he is being disorderly.
The Taoiseach was appointed on 14 December and as Taoiseach he has a responsibility——
I am asking Deputy Leyden to resume his seat.
The Taoiseach is responsible——
The Deputy must resume his seat. I am calling Item No. 1.
Is the Taoiseach making a statement on the farm prices agreed in Brussels in view of the Minister's failure——
(Interruptions.)
I will allow the Deputy to ask a question.
In view of the Minister's remarkable success at the price increases agreed this morning and the level of the increases secured——
(Interruptions.)
——running beyond expectation, I am sure the Minister will be most anxious to make a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity.
(Interruptions.)
Order. I am calling Item No. 1.
I want the right to reply to the Taoiseach.
Deputy O'Keeffe will resume his seat.
This is an important matter and perhaps the Taoiseach could arrange for some official notification to be given to the House of exactly what was agreed.
The Deputy is perfectly right that that should be done and I will make arrangements immediately.
I wonder why the Taoiseach is so anxious to reply to the questions about the farm talks but he will not reply to the questions raised about school transport.
Deputy Leyden will resume his seat. I am calling Item No. 1.
Is the Taoiseach embarrassed and ashamed?