It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 8. By agreement, the proceedings on No. 1, if not previously concluded, will be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 p.m. and the Taoiseach will be called upon to conclude not later than 6.45 p.m. Private Members' Business will be Nos. 18 and 58.
Order of Business.
Are the arrangements for No. 1 agreed? Agreed.
Could I ask the relevant Minister when it is intended to introduce legislation, on which apparently work has already begun, on the granting of free port status to Ringaskiddy, and in view of the fact that we still await the——
A question, Deputy, please.
——full review of the free port concept promised some weeks ago by the Minister for Finance, could the Minister assure the House that full and equal consideration will be given to Rosslare Harbour?
Opportunism.
The Deputy would know. He would recognise it.
I ask permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of the closure of Coolock Foodburger Factory with the loss of 227 jobs and £12 million turnover. What plans has the Minister to keep the factory in business as a going concern?
I shall communicate with the Deputy. Item No. 1.
Could I have an answer to my question about the legislation for the free port status?
They must have heard about it in Wexford.
I shall allow the question on legislation.
I cannot give the Deputy any definite information at the moment. I shall endeavour to establish the position and communicate with the Deputy.
May I say that in Cork this morning I pointed out——
Is that a——
It is a question.
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy should not be piggybacking on other Deputies' questions.
Deputy Doyle was successful in having her question allowed. The Chair fell for her charm. It is a terrible weakness.
I am about to deal with a very important matter of business on the Order of Business.
If the Deputy has a question, would he please ask it?
Is the Taoiseach aware of the fact that in Cork this morning in regard to this matter and this forthcoming legislation. I pointed out to everybody concerned——
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
It does. It is important business. It is forthcoming legislation.
It is not on the Order of Business.
Is he aware of the fact that I indicated there this morning that we would facilitate the Government in every way——
That is not a question.
——in the enactment of the legislation and ask the Government to bring it in immediately?
Will the Deputy's side look after Rosslare Harbour?
We always have.
(Interruptions.)
This question is in relation to legislation. Could I ask the Taoiseach if he had decided whether he will introduce further Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (Amendment) Bill, 1984, to provide for the continuation of the purchase scheme for ground rents, as this is a special purchase scheme? The time is now running out on the scheme. Has the Taoiseach an intention to bring forward a Bill? This is a very urgent matter.
The question was raised on Thursday last and the Minister explained that he was looking into it. I cannot take the matter further.
Is the Minister still going into it?
That is from Thursday to Tuesday.
It is a very urgent matter.
I would ask the Deputy not to make a speech.
That scheme is ending. Can the Taoiseach give us any indication of when he expects to be able to give this information?
When I have had an opportunity to speak with the Minister.