It is proposed to take Nos. 5, 6 and 25. It is also proposed that Nos. 5 and 6 be taken without debate. It is further proposed that in relation to No. 25 the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of the main spokesperson nominated by each of the groups as defined in Standing Orders 89 (1) (a) shall not exceed 30 minutes, the speech of any other Member shall not exceed 20 minutes and a Member of the Government shall be called on not later than 4.45 p.m. to conclude the debate.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 5 and 6 agreed? Agreed.
Are the proposals in relation to No. 25 agreed?
In relation to the proposal for dealing with No. 25, I want to again place on record the opposition of The Workers' Party to this procedure of reducing the time available to us for contributing to debates of this kind. It is unacceptable.
I take it that the proposal in relation to No. 25 is agreed? Agreed.
(Limerick East): The Minister for Finance has announced that he is carrying out an investigation into purported abuses of the business expansion scheme. Does the Minister intend to take action before the end of the tax year because if the Minister waits for the Finance Bill he is locking the State finances——
That is hardly in order now.
(Limerick East): It needs legislation and the announcement has been made.
Has legislation been promised in this area?
Wait for it.
(Limerick East): If we wait until after 6 April——
Deputy De Rossa——
(Limerick East): ——the tax certificates will have been issued. Can I raise this issue on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy. I have called Deputy De Rossa.
I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the matter I sought to raise yesterday, the threat to passengers and to the staff of Iarnród Éireann on the Dublin-Belfast railway line as a result of the continuous destruction of the line; also, the question of the threat that this poses in respect of jobs, both North and South.
I will be in touch with the Deputy about that matter.
May I inquire about the matter I raised with the Chair in the House on Tuesday last, as to whether Standing Orders Nos. 33 and 51 will apply to matters that are raised in today's debate? Perhaps the position has changed because of the nature of No. 25 on today's Order Paper. It is not a formal motion, it simply says "Adjournment of the Dáil". I, therefore, presume that what would apply to a normal adjournment debate now applies.
The Deputy's question is quite in order so far as the Chair is concerned. On the Order of Business on Tuesday last, Deputy Desmond O'Malley sought the Chair's guidance on this issue and I undertook to have it examined. I would now like to explain the Chair's position for the benefit of the House. The Chair considers every matter which arises in a fair and impartial manner and in the light of Standing Orders. In this regard I would point out that it is a well established practice that the Chair does not rule in advance or give hypothetical rulings and that he rules only on matters that are definitely before him. Accordingly, I am not in a position to give a ruling in advance of any question or motion being tabled. I would remind the House that this is in accordance with the rulings of my predecessors.
I am very disappointed at what the Chair has just said, because I thought the Chair would——
It is not open for discussion now. If the Deputy feels aggrieved concerning the rulings of the Chair, he has a remedy.
I do not know if that remedy is much use to me. It would be particularly inappropriate if it were not possible during the next four or six months, as the case may be, to raise further developments with regard to matters I have mentioned today.
Deputy O'Malley has asked some questions of me. I have issued a reply. We will not debate the matter now. The Taoiseach wishes to intervene.
In order to be helpful perhaps I could assure the Chair and Deputy O'Malley that there is no wish on the part of the Government to prevent any further discussion on this matter.
That is irrelevant.
(Interruptions.)
The Chair is independent.
(Interruptions.)
They want a discussion, they do not want a discussion. They want a debate, they do not want a debate.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please.
If at any time it is agreed between the Whips that this matter should be further discussed, I am sure a parliamentary procedure can be developed.
I wish again to seek the Chair's permission to raise on the Adjournment this evening, the continuing——
It is the Progressive Democrats that have become irrelevant.
(Interruptions.)
I have called Deputy McCartan twice.
With your permission I seek to raise on the Adjournment this evening the ongoing continuing worrying reports as outlined in the Evening Herald of unlawful gaming in the city despite the decision of the city council in 1976 that it should end, and the need for urgent action on the part of the Minister and the Garda in this flagrant breach of the law.
I will communicate with the Deputy in respect of that matter.
May I ask the Minister for Tourism and Transport if discussions entered into by him with representatives of Irish Ferries Limited with a view to putting——
Deputy Quill knows well that she has other ways and means of raising that matter.
What was the outcome of the discussions?
Please Deputy Quill, I must ask you to desist. I am proceeding to deal with item No. 5.