It is proposed to take Nos. 5 and 9.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, is the Taoiseach in a position to say when the Government, through the medium of the Minister for the Environment, will make the order fixing the date for the referendum?
Since this matter was discussed here I understand that a further legal action is down for hearing on 11 July and we have held over fixing the date on that account. I had hoped to have an opportunity to talk to the Deputy about that and will be happy to do so at his convenience.
I appreciate that, because I left the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste last week on a clear understanding and as a result of that understanding we did not press for our Private Members' motion. I am reluctant to say that there is a breach of faith in this matter, but we are near a breach of faith. I would be glad if the Taoiseach would explain his position.
The position is that I met the Leader of the Opposition. I indicated our intentions on the holding of the referendum and there was agreement on what we suggested. This legal action has come up since and I wanted to have a word with the Leader of the Opposition about that matter, which will affect the formal fixing of the date but which does not affect what we agreed about the date. I will be happy to talk to Deputy Haughey about that at his convenience.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention to further postpone the date if further legal actions arise? The Taoiseach has admitted that the only reason he is postponing it at present is because it would be inappropriate. Will the Taoiseach let us know——
Perhaps the Deputy would leave it between the Taoiseach and the Leader of the Opposition at this stage.
I would be glad to know the Taoiseach's view on it because it is wavering.
No——
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Deputy De Rossa.
The Taoiseach is anxious to reply.
That does not mean that he has to reply.
On the Order of Business, I wish to ask the Taoiseach when Item No. 7, the Joint Committee on Marriage Breakdown, will be taken? Will it be taken this week?
Things are day in day out here.
Yes.
On the Order of Business, as Deputy De Rossa is on his feet I would explain that a statement by Deputy De Rossa about the Rents Tribunal Bill is completely misleading and in fact, with the co-operation of this side of the House, the Rents Tribunal Bill is being taken this week. Deputy De Rossa has attempted to mislead the general public on this matter.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
I am not allowing that. I am calling on the Minister of State to move item No. 5.