Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1985

Vol. 362 No. 2

Order of Business.

Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism (Mr. J. Bruton)

It is proposed to take items Nos. 4, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 8. By agreement the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and not later than 12.30 a.m. tomorrow and business shall be interrupted at 12 midnight. Also by agreement the proceedings of the Second Stage of the National Development Corporation Bill, 1985, shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 6.45 p.m. today.

Also by agreement item No. 8 will be taken at the conclusion of Private Members' Business today and the order shall not be resumed thereafter. Private Members' Business shall be No. 39.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that the National Development Corporation Bill, Second Stage, shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 6.45 p.m. today? Agreed.

Mr. Wilson

I wish to raise on the Adjournment of the House the present position of the B & I Company.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with Deputy Wilson.

Dr. Ormonde

Yesterday I attempted to raise on the Adjournment the issue of the seizure of the television equipment at Kilmacthomas, County Waterford. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, this was not considered. First can I ask now if the Minister for Communications will comment on the matter today or, if not, whether I can raise it on the Adjournment this evening?

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy about the Adjournment.

Proinsias De Rossa

Can we be told if there are any proposals to introduce legislation on postal voting for the disabled for general election purposes. This was promised in the last few years.

An Ceann Comhairle

I do not think that has been promised and therefore does not arise.

Proinsias De Rossa

It was.

An Ceann Comhairle

Well, if it has been promised I will allow the question.

Mr. Haughey

It is interesting that you are not up to date on Coalition promises, a Cheann Comhairle.

Dr. Ormonde

That was yesterday.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am at the centre, Deputy.

Mr. J. Bruton

It would be somewhat difficult to keep up with Opposition promises anyway. They are moving at such a rapid rate and changing their promises so quickly.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. J. Bruton

Perhaps I could reply to what Deputy De Rossa has said by indicating that the Government hope to introduce legislation along the lines indicated in the next session, that is after Christmas.

Proinsias De Rossa

If I might follow up on that and ask the Minister if he is aware that the register of electors is being prepared at present for 1986——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy can only ask if it is going to be brought in as promised.

Proinsias De Rossa

Is it intended to ensure that whatever arrangements are made will be included in the 1986 register of electors?

An Ceann Comhairle

I will not allow an answer to that because if I do I will open up a debate.