It is proposed to take Nos. 17 and 18. Private Members' Business shall be No. 29.
Order of Business.
As the Chair is aware, I tabled a Private Notice Question in relation to an article in today's Irish Press concerning the detention of three juveniles in Mountjoy Prison. I regarded this as a matter of urgent public importance but I have to bow to the Chair's right to refuse my request. I fail to see how I can raise this matter. Whether the report is accurate or not, it needs to be clarified. We paid our respects to the man who addressed this House this morning, Prime Minister Hawke. When I visited his parliament I found that they had a period called “grievance time” where people could raise matters——
Please, Deputy. I have indicated to Deputy Barrett that his question is not deemed of sufficient urgency under Standing Orders but there are ways and means for the Deputy to raise the matter.
If a 15-year-old is sharing a cell with a 29-year-old in Mountjoy Prison——
The Chair is on his feet.
My apologies.
There are ways and means open to the Deputy if he sincerely wishes to raise this matter.
May I raise the matter on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with you.
Would the Taoiseach indicate when the Companies' Bill will come before us? It has been with the Seanad for some time and I wonder if there is a timescale. Secondly, could the Taoiseach or some member of the Government say whether it is intended to make a statement in this House now or in the immediate future as to the allocation of funds from the National Lottery, which has been the subject of some speculation particularly in the absence of any Estimate for youth services?
The second question is surely not appropriate on the Order of Business.
It depends on whether the Government want to make a statement here. Perhaps I could have an answer to the first part at least.
The Companies' Bill is in the Seanad and no doubt is receiving very mature and deliberate consideration there. We are all very anxious to get it before this House and have it enacted as quickly as possible, particularly in view of recent developments. I will have a word with the Seanad Whips to see if it can be expedited.
Do the Government propose to introduce legislation to terminate ground rents owned by local authorities and, if so, when might the House expect to receive such a Bill?
Ought you not to put down a question in respect of that matter?
It is a matter promised in correspondence by a member of the Government——
Correspondence and matters formally before the House are two different matters.
(Interruptions.)
In a letter yesterday the Minister for Social Welfare advised a group in my constituency that the Government had decided to ask the Minister for Justice, in consultation with the Minister for the Environment, to examine the question of preparing legislation to terminate ground rents on local authority housing. I wonder if that is a decision and if we can expect legislation along those lines.
Did the Deputy believe him?
That is why I am here. I am trying to find out if there is any substance in the letter.
Has the Taoiseach managed to clear up a certain element of confusion which existed yesterday in relation to the Children (Care and Protection) Bill and can he say whether the Government's redraft of the Bill, which was before the House two sessions ago, is ready for publication and consideration by this House?
It is still under consideration but it will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the provision of finances for an enterprise agency in west Tallaght, Dublin.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
May I ask the Taoiseach, in view of his silence in response to my question that there is no truth in the suggestion contained in the Minister's letter——
I will not allow the Deputy to raise this matter again.
(Interruptions.)