It is proposed to take No. 12.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach or the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a statement will now be made in this House to clarify — perhaps deny or accept — that a contradiction exists between the statements of the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the confidential report submitted to the Court of Auditors in Brussels by the Department of Agriculture?
Clearly that matter does not arise on the Order of Business. Doubtless the Deputy will find another way of adverting to the matter.
Perhaps I should seek your guidance then in relation to this matter because it appears to me that the Minister for Agriculture and Food informed this House of one situation——
Sorry, Deputy, the matter may not be pursued now.
I am seeking your guidance as to how I should pursue it.
There are many avenues open to the Deputy and my office will be glad to assist him in that matter.
May I ask the Taoiseach or the Minister for Industry and Commerce, arising out of meetings with the oil company representatives yesterday and in view of the statement that was issued, when we can expect legislation before the House to deal with the banning or ending of gifts or stamps by the oil companies——
Is such legislation promised?
——as stated here yesterday? The other matter I would like to ask about is whether this House will have an opportunity to hear from the Minister by way of statement or debate on the conclusions of the meeting.
What is the second point?
Whether we might have an opportunity to hear a statement in the House on the conclusions of the meeting between the Minister and representatives of the oil companies.
I think the second point may be out of order. Is it, a Cheann Comhairle?
I am concerned only with the aspect of legislation.
The legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.
When will that be?
As soon as possible, quam celerrime.
Could I ask the Taoiseach whether it is the Government's intention to introduce legislation to change the borrowing limits of the Irish National Petroleum Company in view of this agreement?
That is a separate matter.
Is it not in order to ask whether it is the Government's intention to introduce legislation?
We are concerned now about legislation before the House or legislation promised.
It is promised.
There is no legislation promised in regard to that matter.
I would be very glad to know where my young colleague from my constituency stands on this issue. He seems to be a bit of a weather-cock.
If the Government care to order a time so that we can debate the issue I will be quite happy.
(Interruptions.)
Arising from the Taoiseach's answer, appreciating that all legislation will take some time to be prepared, could the Taoiseach or the Minister indicate that there is an unequivocal assurance from all oil companies that they will abide by the ending——
I thought we had disposed of that matter. Indeed, I have, as far as the Chair is concerned——
In accordance with——
Deputy McCartan, you have heard an assurance in regard to that matter and you must be satisfied for the time being.
Are all oil companies——
I am proceeding to deal with item No. 12, the Government motion in regard to The National Development Plan.