It is proposed to take Nos. 8 and 9. By agreement the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and not later than 11 p.m. and business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. Also by agreement proceedings on the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill, 1985 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 p.m. 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 Finance. Also by agreement proceedings on the remaining Stages of the Animals Bill, 1985 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 10.30 p.m. 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 Justice. Private Members' Business shall be No. 23.
Order of Business.
I should like to remind Members that the postponed division on the Vote for Agriculture will be taken when the proceedings on item No. 23 are concluded. Are the arrangements for the late sitting, the conclusion of the Finance Bill and the conclusion of the Animals Bill agreed?
Yes. I should like to ask the Tánaiste if it is intended that the Taoiseach will make a statement today at 3.30 p.m.?
Yes, it is intended that the Taoiseach will make a statement at 3.30 p.m. today.
Can the Tánaiste give us any indication of what the statement will be about?
Could the Deputy ask me an easier question, please?
I notice that the Tánaiste brought in all the cheer gang this morning.
Brian was awake early this morning.
Deputy Lenihan went to a new depth this morning; it was disgraceful. He disgraced himself.
Why does the Minister of State not go and ride a bicycle?
I do not mind riding bicycles.
Dún Laoghaire): Deputy Lenihan would believe an ex-chief of staff of the Provos before he would believe the Taoiseach.
I know the Deputies opposite were brought in specifically to interrupt.
At least I will not fall off a bicycle.
I am aware that the Taoiseach is making a statement at 3.30 p.m. and the Whips have also been informed of that.
I know the Taoiseach is making a statement but perhaps we could have some idea of what the statement is about.
The Deputy should contain his impatience until 3.30 p.m.
The Deputy will have to come back at 3.30 p.m. to hear it. I trust that will not inconvenience him unduly.
Normally, as a matter of courtesy, the Opposition are informed as to the general subject matter of statements of this kind.
Deputy Lenihan was at his absolute best this morning.
The people of Dublin West must be very proud of him.
He disgraced himself again.
We will have the return of the road show at 3.30 p.m.
We must have order on both sides of the House. I understand that statements are being made at 3.30 p.m. today and I think it is fairly clear what the statements will be about. It should be left at that.
I am prepared to accept your ruling and leave it at that but it is going a bit far when the Opposition are not to be informed as to what is even the subject matter of a statement to be made by the Taoiseach.
(Dún Laoghaire): I informed the Opposition Whip that the Taoiseach would be making a statement on his visit to Canada and the US today at 3.30 p.m.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the anxiety being expressed about the transportation of ammonia from Cork to Arklow through Dublin.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Statements of this kind are normally made about matters of some significance and importance.
The Deputy is being petty and silly.
We have had enough of his codology.
I notice all the thugs were brought in this morning to shout.
I should like the permission of the Chair to raise on the Adjournment the unwarranted interference by President Reagan in the affairs of the Sandinista Government in Nicaragua.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Government appointed task force to provide any jobs for Cork.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment, as I sought to do last night, the worsening situation in Nicaragua.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like permission to raise on the Adjournment the problem arising in Buttevant where a post-primary school is under threat because of a change in the catchment area.
I will communicate with the Deputy.