It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 6, and 7. It is also proposed that all Stages of No. 1, 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 Justice.
Order of Business.
May I ask if the proposals for dealing with No. 1 are agreed? Agreed.
When do the Government intend to make a decision to relocate the Air Corps search and rescue facility on the west coast?
That question is clearly not appropriate to the Order of Business.
It is a matter which the Government say they have had under consideration. Could we be told when that consideration might be concluded?
There are no specific legislative proposals in this matter.
I seek to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Minister for Education to provide adequately for the teaching of French in the girls' comprehensive school in Ballymun.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Limerick East): When will the Government publish the promised legislation extending the powers of the Central Bank?
The Minister for Finance tells me that it is ready and should be published early next week. It will be taken here in conjunction with the Building Societies Bill. We will run the two side by side. The Central Bank Bill will definitely be ready for publication early next week.
(Limerick East): When can we expect the Building Societies Bill?
A few weeks later. We hope to run the two Bills jointly in the House because there are many interrelated aspects.
(Limerick East): Are we talking about next session rather than this session for the debate?
If we can get through our business expeditiously we hope to have both Bills underway during this session.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the issue which has arisen in north Tipperary between the vocational teachers and the Minister, an issue which causes 5,000 school-children to be out of school today. Many of these young people are preparing to take State examinations at the end of the year and unless——
I will communicate with the Deputy. There is no need to elaborate now.
In view of the statements made by the general secretary of the ESBOA, does the Minister for Labour intend to respond to that invitation and is he likely to be in a position to make a statement to the House later today?
The Deputy should find another way of raising that matter.
I would ask the Chair's advice. I do not want to be disruptive in regard to an industrial relations matter but it is of some concern. I serve notice that I intend to table a Private Notice Question or to raise the matter on the Adjournment, whichever is considered by the House to be most productive.
My office will be happy to co-operate with the Deputy regarding a suitable approach to the matter.
Does the Minister for Agriculture and Food intend to introduce a Supplementary Estimate for Teagasc, which is £11.5 million in debt?
The Deputy is circumventing the rules governing the Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
Now that the London take-over panel have announced their decision with regard to Irish Distillers Group, would the Minister for Industry and Commerce agree that the decision he and his Department have to make is anxiously awaited?
This is clearly a matter which does not arise now.
Many people are anxiously awaiting this decision. Could the Minister indicate when he might announce it?
There are many ways and means open to Deputy Cullen to raise that matter.
The Tánaiste indicated that the Building Societies Bill and the Central Bank Bill will be taken together, although they are to be published separately. Will the Minister for Finance take both Bills or will the two Ministers responsible take them cojointly?
They will have to be taken by separate Ministers but at the same time. The Minister for Finance will take the Central Bank Bill, while the Building Societies Bill will be taken by the Minister for the Environment. They will be simultaneously moved through the House and the debates will take place side by side, as it were.
In view of the rather innovative and novel parliamentary procedure that the Tánaiste is proposing to the House — and I am not for one moment doubting his ability in either field — could he explain to the Whips or have the Government Chief Whip explain to the rest of us how that might happen?
As I said, it depends on co-operation——
The Whips will decide this matter in due course.
Might I raise on the Adjournment on my own behalf and on behalf of a number of Deputies from all parties, the problem caused to recipients of social welfare payments by the policy of closure of post offices in the south inner city of Dublin and particularly the closure of the post office in Clanbrassil Street?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
May I ask the Minister for Justice when the promised legislation to update the rape law will be introduced? Have the Government considered initiating the legislation in the Seanad in view of the schedule of business for this House?
Is that promised legislation?
Yes, we will have it early next session.
Have the Government considered initiating that Bill in the Seanad in view of our schedule of work?
We can look at that because the Seanad want more Bills.