It is proposed to take Nos. 16 and 17. 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 the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of No. 16, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 10.30 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 Justice. Private Members' Business shall be No. 41.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed?
We are sitting late to consider Report and Final Stages of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill. I would ask the Whips to ensure that time in that debate would be given to consideration of amendments Nos. 56 and 57 which deal specifically with a new concept, that of the identity card. I would ask that in the ordering of business some time would be reserved for the discussion of those amendments.
That might be more appropriate on No. 16 proper. Is the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 16 agreed, having regard to Deputy McCartan's comments? Agreed.
With your permission, I want to raise on the Adjournment the undertaking evidently given on the Government's behalf last week that the Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1987 would not be enforced.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
In considering that request by the Deputy, perhaps you would advert to the fact that it is based on a misstatement of the facts.
(Interruptions.)
I ask the Taoiseach how he reconciles the statement made on the Order of Business last Thursday with the statement issued by the Archbishop of Tuam following his meeting with the Taoiseach on that topic.
The Taoiseach is walking away from another agreement that he made.
Is the Taoiseach going to answer that question?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the decision by Dublin Bus to curtail severely the bus service for the Dublin area and the implications for traffic management, as well as the hardship for people who have no other form of transport.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I put down a Private Notice Question today asking if the Minister for Foreign Affairs would convey to the British Government our disquiet over the postponement of the inquest in Gibraltar. You ruled out the question on the basis that it did not fulfil the urgency requirement. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will not be answering questions again until 21 June, which is very near to the date which had been proposed for the inquest. I have no other opportunity of raising the matter in the House except by Question and I would hope that if I put down the same Private Notice Question——
Sorry, Deputy. I have conveyed my decision to you in that regard. If you want any further elaboration or have a point to convey, my office is at your disposal.
You can appreciate the concern in this country over the spurious reasons given for the postponement of that inquest. I wish, with your permission, to raise it on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Are the Taoiseach and the Government party to a statement issued by the Archbishop of Tuam last Thursday and will the Taoiseach make a statement to clarify the matter?
I should like to know what status the Deputy has in asking that question.
(Interruptions.)
May I have an answer from the Taoiseach?
The Chair has no control over such matters.
In view of the very specific undertakings given by the Taoiseach that local charges for domestic refuse collection and water will be abolished and the recent——
Does this refer to a matter in respect of legislation?
That is the question I want to raise. Arising from the Taoiseach's specific undertakings and the recent press reports, or inspired kite flying by the Department of the Environment, concerning——
This is clearly not a matter for the Order of Business.
I want to ask the Taoiseach if——
It is not in order now.
I want to ask about the promised legislation.
It is not promised. Please desist and resume your seat.
Legislation was specifically promised by the Taoiseach and I want to ask what are the Government's intentions.
With due respect to you and to the Taoiseach, he should give an explanation to this House as to whether he was party to an agreement.
I have asked the Deputy to find another way and another time to raise that matter.
Can you tell me what way?
(Interruptions.)