Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Apr 1988

Vol. 379 No. 10

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 4, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

It is also proposed that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m.

It is further proposed that No. 4 shall be taken without debate.

It is further proposed that the proceedings on the Committee and remaining Stages of No. 17, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. 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 Finance.

It is further proposed that the Second Stage of No. 19 shall be resumed not later than 3.45 p.m. and, if completed, that the order shall then resume.

Private Members' Business shall be No. 33.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for the late sittings agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that item No. 4 be taken without debate? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 17 agreed?

Proinsias De Rossa

In relation to Item No. 17 I wish to raise an objection to the application of the guillotine to this Bill. There are 16 amendments still to be dealt with and we are only being allowed two and a half hours for the Bill. All of the amendments are from Opposition Deputies in the House. Some additional time should be provided for the Bill.

Question put and declared carried.

An Ceann Comhairle

We will resume on item No.——

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): I wish to raise on the Adjournment the implications for the control of the public finances arising from the Labour Court decision, the import of which seems to be that any activity at present being carried out by the public sector cannot be transferred to private interests.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Cooney

When can we expect the promised legislation providing for the abolition of vocational education committees and the provision of new regional bodies in substitution?

The Taoiseach

No such legislation has been promised.

Mr. Cooney

It has. The Minister for Education has promised that legislation. I heard her myself.

An Ceann Comhairle

It must not lead to argument now. I am calling——

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I did not promise the abolition of the VECs.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am calling Deputy Richard Bruton.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

If Deputy Bruton does not offer now I shall pass on to another Deputy.

Mr. R. Bruton

It is hard to talk down the Minister.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. R. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach say whether the Government still intend to introduce legislation relating to a radiological protection institute and an emergency plan, or has that been dispersed with the winds which have blown in the intervening year?

The Taoiseach

It is still the intention to introduce legislation. Legislation is with the draftsman and we hope to produce it very soon.

Mr. R. Bruton

This year?

The Taoiseach

Yes.

Miss Flaherty

Do the Government anticipate bringing in the Children (Care and Protection) Bill in the coming weeks?

The Taoiseach

It is hoped to bring it in very shortly.

Mr. Deenihan

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the closure of 30 geriatric beds in Edenburn Hospital.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Begley

With the permission of the Chair I would like to raise on the Adjournment the question of the Spanish Government dumping toxic waste off Inishvickilaune off the south coast.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

The Taoiseach

I am glad the Deputy raised that. I hope the Spaniards will be responsible in this matter.

Mr. M. Higgins

I asked last week by what mechanism the progress or lack of progress on the talks taking place within the Central Review Committee on Education under the Programme for National Recovery would be reported to the Dáil. I think the Taoiseach indicated that he would give consideration to the mechanisms by which the Dáil would be informed as to the progress or lack of progress in the talks involving education.

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not seem to be relevant now.

The Taoiseach

It would be premature at this stage to report because the proceedings are still continuing.

Mrs. Hussey

Can the Taoiseach tell us when legislation, about which there appears to be no confusion as it has been announced on several occasions by the Minister for Education, that is, legislation in respect of new autonomous structures for the RTCs, will come before the House?

The Taoiseach

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Durkan

Once again, I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the possible formation of an integrated development plan to include County Kildare.

An Ceann Comhairle

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

Mr. Cosgrave

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the siting of the national sports centre, with particular reference to the submission made by resident groups in the Baldoyle area.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. J. Mitchell

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of a question I have raised here on about 21 occasions, that is, the lack of any regulations under the Air Pollution Act and the lack of decisions regarding grants for a smoke control zone in Ballyfermot.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Farrelly

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Government to provide grant-aid under the western package in respect of pollution control. This matter has been a source of some controversy in recent days and the Government do not seem to know where they are going.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Sheehan

In view of the love which the Taoiseach has expressed for island people would he now take immediate action to ensure that the post office on Hare Island, County Cork, will be retained?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should raise that matter in another way.

The Taoiseach

I will certainly give that matter my personal attention.