asked the Taoiseach if agreement has yet been reached on the formation of an all-party committee on marriage breakdown which was promised in the Joint Programme for Government and which it was said would report by the end of 1983; and if a date has yet been set for the first meeting of the committee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marriage Breakdown Committee.
2.
The main Opposition party have now agreed, in principle, to participate in the work of the committee, and I hope the necessary consultations in regard to the terms of reference will be completed shortly. The committee will then be established.
I understood from previous replies by the Taoiseach that the problem between him and the Leader of Fianna Fáil concerned the terms of reference. Am I to take it that the terms of reference which were supplied to me in recent weeks are now to be changed and are open to negotiation?
The Leader of the Opposition has asked to meet me to discuss this question. I have no idea what he will say to me but I am more than happy to meet him for such a discussion.
The Joint Programme for Government indicated that this committee would report by the end of this year. As six months have already passed, can the Taoiseach give an indication of the date for the setting up of this committee?
That sounds like repetition and we have had this question in one form or another day after day.
It is only right that it should be asked because a specific promise has been made by the Government which has not been fulfilled. To my way of looking at it, they are allowing the main Opposition party to veto the setting up of a committee on marital breakdown.
A question, Deputy.
I have already asked the date for the setting up of this committee.
Question No. 3.
Is it not intended to allow the Taoiseach to reply?
I have replied. The Deputy asked the same question some time ago and I pointed out that in view of the delay it may be necessary to look again at the deadline for the end of the year. That is a matter I am also prepared to discuss with the Leader of the Opposition.
We must move on to the next question.
That is entirely unfair. I have asked only two supplementary questions.
The Deputy is not entitled as of right to ask even one supplementary question if, in the opinion of the Chair, it is not necessary.
I understand the purpose of this session is to get information from the Government.
It is not an occasion for repetition.
I am seeking a simple answer. Are the Government going to allow that party to hold up this committee for ever?
The Deputy is now indulging in argument and making a speech.