Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1986

Vol. 363 No. 5

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 17, 18 and 5. Business will be interrupted at 3.45 p.m. today to take item No. 5 and the Order will not be resumed thereafter.

By agreement the Dáil will sit later than 9 p.m. today and not later than 12 midnight to enable the Financial Resolutions, with the exception of the General Financial Resolution, to be concluded. It is proposed that, following the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance and the statements of the spokesmen of the parties in Opposition, the sitting will be suspended for 30 minutes. Also by agreement there will be no Private Members' Business today.

Mr. Haughey

May I ask the Taoiseach, in order to facilitate business today if it would be possible for him to indicate the number of Financial Resolutions which may be taken? I also want to suggest that an arrangement made on a previous occasion might be followed today, namely, that by agreement of the House we would decide to allocate certain specific amounts of time either to each Resolution or to groups of Resolutions.

The Taoiseach

I am not sure that it would be proper to indicate the number of Resolutions at this stage, but we want to facilitate the Opposition and we will consult through the Whips with a view to arranging the time in the manner most appropriate from the point of view of the Opposition.

Mr. V. Brady

Is the Taoiseach prepared to give Government time to Motion No. 105, one of no confidence in the Minister for Justice because of the breakdown in prison accommodation, etc. and crime generally? This is a very important motion in my name. I have discussed it with the Whips but I am asking the Taoiseach to reconsider the Government's decision and to take this motion in Government time.

The Taoiseach

I think the Deputy has been informed by the Chief Government Whip that the practice is that if the Opposition wish to take such motions they do so in their own time.

Mr. V. Brady

The Minister for Justice seemed to be very anxious last week to take this motion as quickly as possible and for that reason alone——

Mr. Reynolds

He changed his mind since.

The Taoiseach

I trust that the Opposition will take that hint from the Minister.

Mr. Leyden

When will the Local Radio Bill be debated in the Dáil? We had a Second Stage debate last July and I should like to know when it will be resumed.

The Taoiseach

I answered that question the other day. I am not sure if the Deputy was here.

Mr. Leyden

I am nearly always here.

The Taoiseach

Then there is not much point in asking it again today.

Mr. Leyden

I should like the Taoiseach to answer the question again because nothing has happened since.

Proinsias De Rossa

Could I ask the Taoiseach when the Bill regarding illegitimacy will be introduced in the House?

The Taoiseach

The text of the Bill was published in draft form and has now been revised in the light of various representations made. The revised text will be before the Government in the very near future and will be published and brought into the House within a matter of weeks.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Will the Minister for Agriculture make a statement in regard to Cork Marts, IMP? He stated that Government money is not available, so I should like to know what he is prepared to do to solve the problem as there are 130 jobs involved?

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Deputy Hegarty is playing politics in regard to this matter.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

He is trying to close the firm.

(Interruptions.)