It is proposed to take Nos. 10, 11 and 12. By agreement the Dáil shall meet at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow morning and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m. and business shall be confined to the Estimates for the Public Service.
Order of Business.
Surely that should be, that business shall be confined to Estimates for the Department of the Gaeltacht?
We will be discussing the Estimate for the Department of the Gaeltacht tomorrow and that is covered under "Estimates for Public Services".
Is the Order of Business agreed?
On the Order of Business, when does the Tánaiste propose to make time available in the House to make a joint statement preferably with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, on behalf of the Government with regard to the aims and objectives of the proposed legislation on the National Development Corporation?
This does not arise on the Order of Business.
With respect, this is a very important matter. It concerns collective Cabinet responsibility which is at the root of our Constitution. The Tánaiste should explain to the House precisely what this legislation means and in what way he and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, agree and disagree in regard to the purposes of that legislation.
Deputy Lenihan will have ample opportunity and no doubt he will avail of it to deal with this when it comes before the House.
(Interruptions.)
The Ceann Comhairle knows it is part of the national tug of war — round one.
In relation to forthcoming legislation is there a proposal before the House to change the name of this to the notional development corporation, and will we have some time——
(Interruptions.)
Order.
Will the Tánaiste have time to put down amendments to the notional development corporation bill on Committee Stage?
(Interruptions.)
We must proceed in an orderly way.
Could we have some notional time for a notional debate on this notional development idea?
(Interruptions.)
If the Government are not taking their responsibilities seriously they might at least tell us when the Bill is to be published and when it is hoped to have it debated in the House.
And how much time the Tánaiste will have for amendments.
The acting leader of the Opposition will be aware that the heads have been agreed in Government, that the drafting will now be completed in the Attorney General's Office and the Bill brought before the House as soon as possible.
(Interruptions.)
It was a very poor performance but I had expected more. You disappointed me again.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Deputy Wilson.
Would the Tánaiste provide the Minister for Communications with an opportunity to explain to the House what is happening to B & I and what are his plans for it, or does he intend to liquidate it?
The Chair will proceed in accordance with Standing Orders. Deputy De Rossa.
Have the Government yet decided when they propose to allow us time to move our motion regarding the social welfare regulations?
That was up yesterday and——
I know, and I am asking if a decision has yet been made as to when we will be allowed time to move it.
The Chair's clear recollection is that a very definite answer was given to that question yesterday.
I understand that some consideration was given to it and I am trying to find out if a decision has been made.
I will allow the question.
A decision has not been made by the Government to allow time. This is a Private Members' Motion and as such will take its place among the list of Private Members' Motions.
In view of that I would ask the Chair if it is possible to have a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in order to discuss this as a matter of urgency.
If the Deputy communicates with me formally I will consider his application.
In view of the latest scheme announced on behalf of this scheming Government, could anybody tell us how many schemes are now in operation, who is paying for them and their purpose?
That does not arise.
(Interruptions.)
Item No. 10.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
I may be out of order, but I am sure the Chair will bear with me. I would like to highlight the fact that there is a strike in the Regional College, Letterkenny, which is having serious effects on the students there. I want to bring this to the attention of the Minister for Education.
I hope the Chair will not rule me out of order. In view of the serious situation in Dublin Port have the Government made any decision as to what action they intend taking to ensure that Dublin Cargo Handling Ltd. does not close down and go into liquidation?
We had that yesterday and it does not arise now. Item No. 10.
On a point of order, the Minister indicated on Tuesday night that he would make an announcement to the House. A meeting was to take place between the Minister and the board. Has that meeting taken place?
I have no knowledge of that, Deputy.
It is very serious. In all seriousness——
Of course it is very serious but Deputy Wilson and myself have all sorts of serious things that we would like to talk about here but they would not be in order.
But we have no harbours or ports. In this case the port of Dublin may close down bringing B & I down with it. B & I itself is in trouble and there should be a general debate in the House.
The Deputy should be serious with the Chair.