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Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 29 Mar 1985

Vol. 357 No. 6

Order of Business.

It is proposed to take No. 8 and 9.

By agreement, the proceedings on the remaining Stages of item 8 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 4 p.m. today by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Energy.

Also by agreement, the proceedings on the remaining Stages of item 9 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 4 p.m. today by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism.

Also by agreement, the Dáil shall adjourn at 4 p.m. today until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 23 April 1985.

Are the arrangements for taking Nos. 8 and 9 and the arrangements for the Easter recess agreed?

I must protest that we in the Oppostion Party did not receive the official sheet setting out the Order of Business this morning. I know it is not the responsibility of the Chair, but I should like to know the reasons for this.

Dún Laoghaire): There is no explanation. It must be an administrative problem. There was no special reason why it should not be given this morning like any other morning.

Is it because the Taoiseach is away?

I want to raise on the Order of Business ——

A little chastisement.

Could I ask the Tánaiste is the Taoiseach ——

They are probably all excited about the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, anyway.

(Interruptions.)

Order, please.

Could I get an indication from the Tánaiste whether the Taoiseach will be raising the matter of the sell-out of the Irish fishing industry at the summit meeting and if the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry will make a statement on the outcome of the negotiations?

Is this another political red herring?

No, it is a crash tackle.

This does not arise on the Order of Business.

On the order of Business, a Cheann Comhairle, what arrangements will be made and when will the legislation be introduced here to give effect to the arrangements that have been negotiated?

I know what will be on the agenda for the Council of Europe.

The European Council.

When will the legislation be introduced to provide for the enlargement of the Community?

No legislation has been promised.

Legislation has been promised. There must be legislation.

I am ruling the question out of order. I call item No. 8.

As a matter of urgency, could I ask the Tánaiste if he would get the Minister for Labour to intervence in the essential dispute at Cork Distilleries?

I am very sorry, Deputy.

It is having a determental effect on the trade of the distillery.

I cannot facilitate the Deputy, because it is not in order.

With respect, Sir, it is a matter of extreme urgency for the survival of this firm. the Minister for Labour should use his good offices to intervene in this industrial dispute.

I have said that this is not in order.

Might I ask the Minister for Energy, who represents a coastal county with a particular interest in the fishing industry and in the 13,000 jobs now put in peril as a result of the sell-out by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government, if he will ——

That is out in order.

It refers to 13,000 jobs in a very underdeveloped region.

The Deputy is out of order.

At one time the government were selling out our land and apparently they are now prepared to sell out our seas. I believe the Minister for Energy wants to help.

The Deputy is fishing in troubled waters.

I would not stop to Deputy Shatter's level. It is a fairly low level. I would have to crawl to go any lower.

Is that what is known as a subtle political reply?

Order, I am calling Deputy O'Keeffe.

In the absence of the Minister for Labour I should like to ask the Tánaiste if he would use his good offices to have the strike at Irish Distillers examined ——

I am sorry, that does not arise on the Order of Business.

Are you aware, Sir, that valuable markets are being lost ——

I am aware that the matter cannot be raised in this way.

Mr. O'Keeffe

—— and that it could lead to shortages of the various brands of whiskey on this island? It appears there is no committment on the part of the Government to any industry.

I am calling item No. 8 and on Deputy O'Keeffe to resume his seat.

Of course, I will resume my seat.

Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 1985 ——

Mr. O'Keeffe

With your permission, Sir, might I raise the matter of the strike at Irish Distillers on the Adjournment?

I am very sorry but there is no provision for an Adjournment debate today.

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