It is proposed to take Nos. 7, 8, 1, 2 and 9. It is also proposed that proceedings on Nos. 7 and 8 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 11.45 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. respectively.
Order of Business.
Are the proposals in respect of the time limits imposed on Items Nos. 7 and 8 agreed? Agreed.
As I indicated yesterday and again this morning I wish to give you formal notice, in accordance with Standing Order 30, of my intention to move a motion for the adjournment of this House on a matter of specific and important public interest requiring urgent consideration. That motion is: "In view of the imminence of the coming into operation of the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism this House is entitled to be appraised of the Government's intentions as a matter or urgency, and is entitled to be informed of any changes that have taken place or are proposed in the relevant legislation or in relevant administrative procedures, is entitled to be informed on these matters and other matters relevant to the issue prior to persons being informed and consulted outside this House. Accordingly, this House calls on the Taoiseach to make a full statement on the position today."
Deputy Spring gave me notice this morning that he wished to raise this matter under Standing Order 30. Having considered the matter fully I do not consider it one contemplated by this Standing Order. I cannot therefore allow the motion.
With your assistance, Sir, may I ask the Taoiseach if he will tell the House if he is making a statement and when?
That does not arise now.
The Taoiseach wishes to respond.
I have ruled in respect of a certain matter.
May I ask the Taoiseach in respect of next week's business if the Government will be seeking time for a debate on the ratification of the Prevention of Terrorism Act?
That does not arise now.
I submit that it does arise in this sense——
I cannot allow the Deputy to flout my ruling.
It is necessary for the good order of the House that Deputies should know what business is to be taken.
I have already ruled on this matter and I will not allow my ruling to be flouted in this fashion. The Deputy may not persist in raising this matter now. There are ways and means of doing so but it may not be raised now.
On a point of order, is it in order on the Order of Business to inquire about contemplated legislation and contemplated motions on the part of the Government?
In respect of promised legislation only.
Is it not in order to look for information on the Government's intention in regard to legislation?
Only if it is promised.
Surely such legislation with regard to extradition is promised by an Act of this House——
I suggest that Deputies who are interested in this very serious matter avail themselves of the rules of the House, put down a formal question, and go through the proper procedure.
We have a motion down this morning.
I will not allow an abuse of this kind in respect of the Order of Business.
May I ask why the Government have been unable to make up their minds about this matter?
That does not arise now.
It is a question everybody wants answered.
On a point of order: may I ask you under what rule of this House, or under which Standing Order, is a Deputy precluded from asking the Taoiseach of the day when and in what manner legislation is proposed and asking for a commencement date? I ask you to quote the relevant Standing Order.
The Chair does not do that and has no intention of doing so.
I am asking if you would be kind enough——
If the Deputy puts that question to me I will give it proper consideration and let him know in due course.
In view of the importance of this matter, the fact that the commencement date is 1 December, that this is the last sitting day of this week and that motions proposed for next week must be in by 11 a.m. tomorrow, may I ask you in what manner we might be facilitated to raise this matter?
That is for the Deputy to decide. I ruled this morning that the matter referred to is not of the sudden type of emergency contemplated by the Standing Order in question. Indeed, it has been, and still is, an ongoing matter.
Do you not consider it quite extraordinary that private party political meetings can be held——
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Desmond will resume his seat or leave the House.
You are protecting the Government.
May I ask a question?
If the question you wish to raise appertains to that raised by Deputy Spring I will not allow it. I have ruled in that regard.
I will not mention the matter in question. It is customary for a meeting to take place between the Whips to decide next week's business. This meeting usually takes place at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Will the Taoiseach communicate to the Whips on this side of the House all the business contemplated for next week or if there will be a slot left open for business upon which the Government have not yet been able to make up their minds?
(Interruptions.)
Why is the Taoiseach unable to lead his own party in this matter? Why can he or the Government not make up their minds?
(interruptions.)