It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, all Stages, and 3, all Stages.
Order of Business.
When does the Taoiseach propose to allocate time for our motion on the economy? I feel the economic situation is such that the House should, as soon as possible, address itself to the economic situation. We would like the Taoiseach to indicate that he is prepared to give Government time for a full debate, perhaps two days or three days, on our motion.
I understand the matter has not been raised with the Whips yet. I suggest that it be discussed with the Whips. I do not quite know what the purpose of raising it here is. I indicated our willingness to consider a proposal and the Whips ought to discuss it.
The purpose of raising it here is very simple. It is to ask the Taoiseach if he would be prepared to give Government time for this motion in view of the critical economic situation we find ourselves in.
I dealt with that in reply to the question yesterday and I suggested that it be discussed between the Whips. I said the Government would certainly consider the proposal and we would treat it in accordance with our general policy of seeking to facilitate the Opposition in having debates on matters of public interest. If the Opposition's Whip would talk to our Whip then we would make some progress.
I did not perhaps get things clear yesterday. I thought the Taoiseach was talking about the motion on the superlevy yesterday.
That is a separate one.
We are asking for a decision in principle by the Taoiseach to give Government time for this motion on the economy and then the Whips could arrange the timing.
We had a separate discussion on that yesterday as the Deputy ought to recall, when I gave the answer I gave. We are waiting to hear from the Opposition's Whip.
I am now asking the Taoiseach on the Order of Business if he is prepared to give Government time for this specific motion. It has nothing to do with the Whips. They can arrange the details. I am asking the Taoiseach on a matter of Government policy will he give us Government time for this motion.
The Government general policy is to facilitate the Opposition if they wish to raise matters of current interest. In accordance with that policy I suggested that the Whips discuss this matter and said we would certainly consider facilitating the Opposition. I suggest, instead of repeating the thing here, that they get together and discuss it.
(Clare): I would like to ask the Taoiseach if he is aware of the growing discontent within the Defence Forces, more particularly the three battalions stationed on permanent duty along the Border, in regard to the decision to participate in the remembrance service?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
(Clare): The Chair must realise that this will cause great difficulties in the Border counties and also in regard to the implications in relation to our neutrality in participating with one of the major participants of World War 2. It is more serious than the Taoiseach has come to realise.
Will Deputy Barrett please resume his seat?
(Clare): Would the Taoiseach arrange to rescind the decision made by whoever made it?
I am surprised at the Deputy.
God be with the generous days of Seán Lemass.
(Interruptions.)
In the light of the contradictory remarks and statements issued by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and a senior Government Minister relating to the reintroduction of rates, would the Minister for the Environment clarify the position?
I am sure I only have to remind Deputy Brady that he is out of order and I know he will agree with me.
Surely I am entitled to ask if rates will be reintroduced over the weekend?
The Deputy will have to raise it in another way.
I would like to ask the Minister for Justice when does he plan to give a report on the investigation into the threatened outbreak in Mountjoy Prison and if he will confirm that the prison officer under investigation is still within the jurisdiction?
The Deputy will have to try some other way of getting the information. There are a few ways.
The situation is very serious.
I know, but there is another way of dealing with it.
Will the Minister confirm if the prison officer concerned is still within the jurisdiction?
The Chair would not allow him.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the Minister for Fisheries proposes to make any statement to the House on the breakdown last night of the Council of Fisheries Ministers talks in relation to the fish quotas for this year and in view of the confusion caused?
I have allowed the question, but will the Deputy not elaborate on it?
Would the Taoiseach clarify the situation now in relation to the 1983 fisheries quota?
For obvious reasons I am not in a position to clarify the position at the moment. When we get a report of what happened at the Council meeting we can consider what, if any, discussions there should be on it.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the decision of the Government to withdraw funding from the development officers scheme for the employment of fulltime youth workers.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy De Rossa.
Would the Taoiseach allow time to be made available for a detailed discussion in relation to the massive losses in RTE and the crisis which has occurred as a result of the build-up of losses over the years? I feel there is a need for a Dáil debate.
Deputy Leyden, in this term we are going to try to conduct the business in accordance with Standing Orders, and that is not in order.
A Cheann Comhairle, regarding raising matters in this House, you have been a great teacher as far as the Members are concerned.
Was that before or after he took the Chair?
A Deputy
You have a bad pupil.