Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 1986

Vol. 369 No. 1

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 12.

By agreement, the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and not later than 10.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted at 10 p.m. and there shall be no Private Members' business tonight.

Also by agreement, the following arrangements shall apply for the debate on this motion:

(1) The speech of the Taoiseach and the Leader of the main Opposition Party shall not exceed 45 minutes in each case.

(2) The speech of each other member, other than the concluding speaker who shall be a member of Government and who shall be called on at 4 p.m. tomorrow, shall not exceed 30 minutes.

(3) If a division is challenged on this motion or on any amendments thereto, the taking of such division shall be postponed until 4.45 p.m. tomorrow when the question or questions necessary to bring the proceedings to a conclusion shall be put forthwith and successively.

An Ceann Comhairle

Are the arrangements for taking Item 12 agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Haughey

I presume you said successively, not successfully.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair does not anticipate.

Mr. G. Mitchell

On the Order of Business, regarding the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1985, may I ask the Taoiseach when is it proposed to resume Second Stage debate — Item No. 29 on the Order Paper?

The Taoiseach

Probably next week.

Mr. R. Burke

I would like to ask the Taoiseach——

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy De Rossa.

Proinsias De Rossa

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the hardship which many thousands of families will suffer as a result of the way in which the Government propose to implement social welfare equality.

An Ceann Comhairle

I shall communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. R. Burke

In relation to Item 29 on today's Order Paper regarding the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1985, the Taoiseach has already answered Deputy G. Mitchell's question, saying that this could possibly be debated next week. May I ask the Taoiseach to give this matter priority, in view of the genuine concern at the plight of the homeless demonstrated by the Simon Community and other interested groups.

There is a major problem in this city and country. Will the Taoiseach bring forward the legislation to ensure that it will be the first of Bills in the environment area to be brought forward in this session?

The Taoiseach

That seems rather a long way of asking what Deputy Mitchell asked and I give the same answer.

Mr. Leyden

May I raise on the Adjournment of the Dáil the subject of the strikes in Galway and Dundalk post offices which are causing severe hardship in both those areas?

An Ceann Comhairle

I shall communicate with Deputy Leyden.

Mr. Blaney

May I ask, for the enlightenment of the House, when we may expect the proposals in regard to the Gaming and Lotteries Bill that was withdrawn some time ago?

The Taoiseach

I could not hear the question.

Mr. Blaney

Slot machines. When may we expect the new proposals from the Government?

The Taoiseach

I would hope to have them during this session before Christmas, but I would not guarantee that. It could be after Christmas.