It is proposed to take Nos. 15, 16, 5, 6 and 7.
Order of Business.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment a matter which I believe is being discussed at every Cabinet meeting but on which no action has been taken. I refer to the impending crisis in the tourist industry because of the number of cancellations.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
In view of the crisis in the Ombudsman's office, will the Taoiseach allow the Ombudsman's report for 1987, which has been placed before the House, to be debated next week?
That does not relate to legislation contemplated.
The report is laid before the House in accordance with legislation passed by this House and I am seeking agreement by the Taoiseach to have this report debated.
Perhaps it is something that might be arranged among the Whips.
I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the crisis in the Ombudsman's office.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
A Cheann Comhairle, may I ask your advice? After 1 July the EC directive on Environmental Impact Analysis will be applicable in this country. In effect it then becomes part of our armoury of legislation. Am I in order in asking the Taoiseach why only annex I of this directive will be implemented here and whether the entire directive can, at the discretion of the Government, be implemented?
The Deputy has asked the question, but it might be more appropriate at Question Time. Does the Taoiseach wish to reply?
Perhaps I could have notice.
Basically there are two matters. Are we in order in raising matters concerning EC directives imminently applicable to this country? I understand that only annex I of the EC directive on Environmental Impact Analysis will be applicable here. It is a most important directive for major construction projects. Can we apply the entire directive if the Government see fit?
The Deputy is asking you, Sir, whether she is in order in raising the matter of directives here.
I should prefer to have had notice of the Deputy's intention to raise that matter and then perhaps I might be in a position to reply.
The soft shoe shuffle.
I, of course, will be as helpful as possible.
I am prepared to wait for the answer, having happily established that I am in order in raising it.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I was out of order yesterday but I am glad to be in order today.
EC directives normally require either direct legislation or secondary legislation in this House. There is an obligation to legislate in many cases. It would seem that a constructive interpretation, in both the legal and normal sense of the word "constructive", of the concept of promised legislation could include legislation required by EC directives and that questions on that subject should be allowed. I should like you to include that aspect of the matter raised by Deputy Doyle.
The Deputy has succeeded in confusing the situation.
Not as far as all of us are concerned. Perhaps for some.
In view of the fact that 135 members of the staff of CIE will be receiving redundancy notices in breach of the Programme for National Recovery of foot of the Minister for Education's plans to privatise the school transport service in four areas, when will the Minister's plans in this regard be brought before the House?
That does not arise now. The Deputy might put down a question on the matter.
There is an urgency to this matter. After today, the Minister for Education will not be answering questions until after these people receive their redundancy notices.
The Deputy may find an opportunity of putting a supplementary question, if appropriate.
I am grateful to the Ceann Comhairle for suggesting the content of my questions but the Minister is under an obligation to announce her proposals in the House, particularly when they have this effect.
There are ways and means of raising that matter. The Deputy should avail of them.
I will turn to a related matter. In view of the fact that these redundancies are not voluntary and are clearly in breach of the Programme for National Recovery, perhaps the Taoiseach will comment on the fact that the ICTU have written to him on this aspect of the question?
The matter is not in order now.
Would the Minister for the Environment care to comment on the recent report on water quality around the coast, particularly the east coast? It is most important at the beginning of the tourist season to know whether water in certain areas around the east coast is safe for bathing, particularly since this report has received a great deal of publicity during the past few days.
When will we see the long awaited Children Bill?
We hope to have it this session.
Will all Stages be taken?
I do not know.
Could the Taoiseach tell us whether the Land Commission still exists?
(Interruptions.)
That is hardly relevant now.
(Interruptions.)
If the Deputy while in office was an incompetent executioner he cannot expect me to dispose of the bodies.
Is there legislation——
Deputy Deasy has a question down on this specific matter on today's Order Paper. I am surprised that he wants to raise it now.
With regard to legislation before the House, may I ask what further progress can be pursued on the Housing Bill?
We hope to have it this session.