It is proposed to take Nos. 18, 19 and 20. By agreement, the proceedings on the remaining Stages of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 1985 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 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 Foreign Affairs. Private Members' Business shall be No. 40. Also by agreement, the proceedings on item 40 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 8.30 p.m. today.
Order of Business.
Are the arrangements for taking items Nos. 18 and 40 agreed? Agreed.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach if it would be possible for him, or the Minister for Justice, to make some statement or give us some information today about the position in regard to the tribunal which has been established to deal with compensation for the victims of the Stardust tragedy. The Taoiseach will recall that I raised this matter on the Adjournment recently and the Minister for Defence, acting on behalf of the Minister for Justice, indicated that he was prepared to arrange a meeting between himself, or his officials, and the legal representatives of the Stardust victims. I raise this matter because there is some confusion, in fact, a fair amount of confusion, existing. We would all agree that it would be tragic if at this stage matters did not proceed satisfactorily. There is certain doubt and confusion in the minds of the committee, and the victims, about some matters, particularly in relation to costs. It would be very desirable if the Minister for Justice, or the Attorney General, could make a statement about the matter or arrange a meeting or take some initiative to clear up the doubts that exist because everybody is anxious to get on with the matter. Most people are anxious to get before the tribunal and get this all settled but there are these doubts and questions.
I appreciate the Deputy's concern which I share. In fact, the Attorney General, who is dealing with this matter, has been in continuous contact with the various parties with a view to resolving outstanding doubts or issues. I would be happy that he should brief the Leader of the Opposition on the present position and on his hopes of resolving anything that is outstanding in the immediate future. Perhaps that might be done during the course of the day.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach a question in regard to a committee of inquiry which I have been led to believe has been set up to inquire into the building societies. The Taoiseach is aware——
This does not sound as if it arises on the Order of Business.
Perhaps before you drop the guillotine on my inoffensive neck I could go a little further and let you know exactly what I am raising. I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he is in a position to give some information to the House about a committee which he told us was being established in his Department under the chairmanship of his economic adviser to inquire into the operation of building societies?
I am replying to that question at 2.30 p.m. today. I doubt if I would be in order in anticipating my answer.
Apparently there is a Question on the Order Paper.
It is not on my Order Paper.
It is No. 42, which is down for written reply.
It is from a chap called Molloy. He is over there somewhere. Actually, he is not.
If it is for written answer it is a bit unsatisfactory from our point of view.
The Deputy should tell that to Deputy Molloy.
It is as well to wait until we receive the written answer. I should like to direct the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that it is an extraordinary way of dealing with a very important matter, to set up a kind of star chamber inquiry——
We cannot go into this matter in this way.
(Interruptions.)
Am I distressing Deputy Collins?
No.
I shall proceed a little further to distress him by saying that the person appointed to chair this very important secret committee was none other than Patrick Hogan, economic adviser to the Taoiseach whose track record in regard to black holes, emigration and other matters——
Honohan.
Deputy Haughey is being disorderly. The Deputy is ignoring the Chair.
(Dún Laoghaire): Hear, hear. He should not be ignoring the Chair.
——is totally disastrous.
I call Deputy De Rossa.
In deference to your wishes, I shall not pursue the matter further.
No more champagne parties, Eddie.
(Interruptions.)
I may give the Deputy one.
Would the Taoiseach clarify the situation regarding the proposed fate of the Committee on Marriage Breakdown? He has indicated, both in this House and outside it, on á number of occasions that a debate was being arranged.
This matter was raised yesterday a couple of times.
My question arises from a reported remark of the Fianna Fáil Chief Whip that there had been no approach to him regarding the arrangements for such a debate. I simply want to know when the arrangements will be made.
The matter is under discussion between the Whips. We are anxious that the discussions start as soon as possible. I am sure we will have full co-operation from the Opposition on that.
Has the Taoiseach consulted Deputy O'Leary? Has he talked with him?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the threatened early closure of Claremorris bacon factory.
I shall communicate with the Deputy during the day.
A Cheann Comhairle, with your permission I wish to raise on the Adjournment matters relating to the lack of sufficient staff, the industrial dispute and the very serious arrears of work in the Land Registry office.
I shall communicate with Deputy O'Leary.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of nuclear dumping off our south-west coast, in the light of recent disclosures to the European Parliament concerning the durability of the canisters used.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.