It is proposed to take Nos. 4 and 7 and it is also proposed that No. 4 be taken without debate.
Order of Business.
Is it agreed that Item No. 4 be taken without debate? Agreed.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment on behalf of both Deputy Andrews and myself the question of the worsening crisis in Mozambique, the extent of the famine there and in particular the response of the Irish Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs in providing additional emergency relief.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Could I ask the Taoiseach if as Leader of the country, he would make an appeal to the patriotism of the workers and the unions in the ESB not to proceed with their strike on Monday?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Government to settle the dispute between the National Association of Tenant Organisations and the local authorities and to re-establish their negotiating rights.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
May I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to confirm if an official invitation to visit Ireland is about to be extended to President Kurt Waldheim of Austria?
That is one I would require notice of as would the Minister also.
On the Order of Business, can the Taoiseach indicate to the House his plans for the Dáil committees and when he envisages they will be set up?
I hope the Whips can get together and proceed immediately with the establishment of the committees.
Further to the question asked by the previous Deputy, the Committee of Public Accounts should be set up as soon as possible in view of the statement in today's Irish Times relating to the millions of pounds in VAT arrears which have been written off by the Revenue Commissioners. How can we in this House get an opportunity to examine this statement if we do not——
The Deputy will have to find another time to raise that matter.
Perhaps, in the meantime the Minister for Finance could tell us how many millions of pounds have been written off by the Revenue Commissioners?
There will be ample time for that matter.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Government to provide the funds necessary for the promised new Whitechurch national school and to provide the necessary facilities for Rathfarnham parish national school so that primary education can be properly afforded to Church of Ireland children in the Dublin south area.
I will communicate with the Deputy.