Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 27 and 28.

By agreement, the proceedings on the remaining Stages of No. 27 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 5.00 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 Communications.

Also by agreement, the Dáil shall meet at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow and shall adjourn not later than 4.00 p.m. and the Business shall be confined to Estimates for Public Services.

Mr. Lyons

On the Order of Business and on the business of this House generally, I should like to point out that a statement was read out on radio last night and that notes were given through the media to the effect that a certain Deputy spoke during the debate in this House last night. That is not correct. Deputy Wyse did not speak here and that should be placed on the record of the House.

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

It is inaccurate reporting.

Mr. Wilson

On the Order of Business, I should like to raise on the Adjournment the urgency with which the Government should purchase the Irish Spruce which is reported to be advertised at £3 million in Marseilles.

Mr. Leyden

May I ask the Minister for Communications if he is satisfied that RTE are carrying out their responsibilities in an impartial way in accordance with the 1960 and 1976 Broadcasting Acts——

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

Mr. Leyden

——especially regarding matters of public concern?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy knows perfectly well that the matter he is raising cannot be raised in the manner in which he is raising it.

Mr. Leyden

I wish to raise on the Adjournment, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, the matter regarding the responsibility with which RTE are carrying out their duties in relation to the 1960 and 1976 Broadcasting Acts and whether they are carrying out their duties in accordance with those Acts.

An Ceann Comhairle

I shall communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Leyden

I believe they are not carrying out their responsibilities in an impartial and fair manner. They are in breach of the 1960 and 1976 Acts.

An Ceann Comhairle

Order, please.

Minister for Communications (Mr. J. Mitchell)

What about the Broadcasting Complaints Commission?

Mr. Leyden

It is the Minister who is responsible to this House.

Mr. Prendergast

A Cheann Comhairle, could I, with your permission, ask the Taoiseach or the Minister for the Environment to advise us as to what the arrangements are for postal voting in connection with the forthcoming referendum? I am thinking of people, other than Army and Garda personnel, who may be abroad at that time. I would appreciate this information.

Mr. O'Kennedy

Is the Deputy talking about the 60,000 emigrants' postal votes?

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

Mr. Prendergast

Could somebody tell us about that?

Mr. Cluskey

May I ask the Taoiseach if legislation will be required to bring about changes in the financing of Aer Lingus?

Mr. Haughey

There is a loaded question.

An Ceann Comhairle

The rule about legislation and questions on it at this time only arises in regard to legislation which has been promised. This particular matter has not been promised.