Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Mar 1988

Vol. 378 No. 9

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 6, 3, 13 and 14. It is also proposed that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. and business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. tonight. It is further proposed that No. 6 be taken without debate.

It is further proposed that all Stages of No. 13 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 p.m. tonight 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 Tourism and Transport; and that the speech of each Member called on in the debate on the Second Stage shall not exceed 30 minutes; and that the Minister for Tourism and Transport shall be called on not later than 6.45 p.m. to conclude the Second Stage.

It is further proposed that the speech of each Member called on in the debate on No. 14 shall not exceed 30 minutes. Private Members' Business shall be No. 47.

Mr. Andrews

I tried to raise by way of Private Notice Question the detention and arrest of a number of Irish people over the weekend under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

An Ceann Comhairle

Sorry, Deputy Andrews, that matter does not arise now.

Mr. Andrews

I know you ruled it out of order.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is so and it may not be questioned now.

Mr. Andrews

Would you be kind enough to allow me to raise it on the Adjournment?

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy. The Chair should be permitted to deal with the Order of Business and to ask for its approval. Is it agreed that the House sit later than 9 p.m. tonight and that business be interrupted at 10.30 p.m.? Agreed. Is it also agreed that No. 6 be taken without debate? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with all Stages of Item No. 13 agreed?

Mr. Cullen

No. We are opposed to it on the basis that it is totally unsatisfactory that a Bill of this order should be allowed only three hours for all Stages. We will not call a vote on it on this occasion on the basis that we will not eat into our own time, but I am putting down a marker for the Government that this is not the way to behave. Their attitude——

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

I am now putting the question formally: "That the Taoiseach's proposals for dealing with all stages of Item No. 13 be agreed to."

Question put and declared carried.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is it agreed that the speech of each Member called on in the debate on Item No. 14 shall not exceed 30 minutes? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

On the Order of Business, could the Taoiseach tell us — and this is a question which I also asked last week — when he and the Government propose to provide time to deal with Item No. 28, the Bankruptcy Bill, 1982, which has been before the House and successive Governments for a very long time? It should not take very long to deal with it and I hope the Taoiseach will be able to find the time to deal with it. Could he indicate whether he has made any progress in the matter since last week?

The Taoiseach

I am seeing what can be done.

Mr. McCartan

In view of the continuing and disturbing events on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, would the Government allow time in the House either this week or next week to discuss that matter with a view to achieving an all-party motion of censure on the matter?

An Ceann Comhairle

Could the Deputy not think of approaching that matter in another manner.

Mr. McCartan

Perhaps the Taoiseach in consultation with the Chief Whip might have something to suggest.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is a matter for the Whips.

Mr. McCartan

In the event that this is a matter which will not be afforded time for debate, would you, in view of its importance, allow me to raise this matter on the Adjournment?

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy in respect of that matter.

Mr. S. Barrett

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the problem at St. Bridget's school in Foxrock.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Cullen

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the criteria or formula which the Minister for Health uses to arrive at the various allocations made to the eight health boards and the specific recommendations which his officials have made to the health boards in the light of the recent discussions with individual hospitals.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. D. O'Malley

Could the Taoiseach tell us if it is now proposed to take Item No. 29, the Courts Bill, 1986, before Easter in view of the fact that the amendments were circulated this morning which I assume will have general support? The Committee and Report Stages of the Bill should only take a very short length of time to deal with.

Mr. McCartan

One minute you are arguing for time to discuss an issue and the next you want to rush things through.

The Taoiseach

My case rests with Deputy McCartan.

Mr. Keating

Then the Taoiseach is in serious trouble.

Mr. J. Bruton

He tried that before and it did not last very long.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Quinn

I have two questions for the Taoiseach in relation to legislation.

The Taoiseach

I have an endemic inbuilt reluctance to hear Deputy O'Malley.

Mr. D. O'Malley

Now that we are on non-medical matters, may I have a reply to my question which was whether the Taoiseach could tell us if this legislation will be taken before Easter?

The Taoiseach

It will not be taken before Easter but I can assure the Deputy that we are just as anxious as he is to get on with it as quickly as possible.

Mr. Quinn

Could the Taoiseach tell us when it is proposed to take the Second Stage of the Housing Bill, 1988?

The Taoiseach

We are awaiting agreement between the Whips.

Mr. Enright

A Cheann Comhairle——

An Ceann Comhairle

Has Deputy Quinn concluded?

Mr. Quinn

May I ask the Taoiseach my second question which is in relation to the legislation which has been promised in regard to the change in the law on licensing hours for public houses and restaurants? When is that legislation likely to be introduced in the House?

The Taoiseach

It is on its way. It will have to be taken in the next session but we are anxious to get it through in time for the next tourist season.

Mr. Quinn

Is it intended, subject to agreement, to have it in place before 1 June?

Mr. Cowen

You will have it before closing time.

Mr. Enright

I had two Private Notice Questions down for reply today but they were disallowed by you, a Cheann Comhairle and I accept your ruling on the matter. The questions related to Rosenallis Post Office and I would like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with Deputy Enright in respect of that matter.