It is proposed to take Nos. 5, 3 and 1. It is also proposed that statements shall be made now, under Standing Order 41, regarding the Taoiseach's official working visit to Japan and his meetings in Moscow. It is further proposed that No. 5 shall be taken without debate. It is further proposed that at the conclusion of business today, the Dáil shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. tomorrow. Private Members' Business shall be No. 32, Motion 45.
Order of Business.
A Cheann Comhairle——
May I deal with the Order of Business?
Of course.
Is it agreed that No. 5 be taken without debate? Agreed. Is it also agreed that at the conclusion of business today the Dáil shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. tomorrow? Agreed.
Can the Taoiseach tell us if he is in a position to enlighten the House on any conclusions he might have come to over the last day or two as to whether he is going to have an election? I am sure the House would be interested to know, Sir.
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
I think it would be fair to say that most of the Fourth Estate and all of the backbenchers of the Government party are in some confusion about the matter. I am sure the Taoiseach would like to clarify it.
That may be so, and Members will surely find another way of dealing with the matter.
Let me suggest to the Deputy that there might be more temerity among his own backbenchers than over here.
We will put that to the test any day he likes, a Cheann Comhairle.
A Cheann Comhairle, I would never want to assume the Taoiseach's prerogative but in the meantime would he ask the Whips to organise the taking of item No. 12 on the Order Paper, the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited (Amendment) Bill, 1988, because until that Bill has passed through the House, there can be no promotion of tourism in Kerry north? Would he deal with this as a matter of urgency?
I will consider what can be done.
Can the Taoiseach tell us what is the position in relation to the University Bill, the purpose of which is to give university status to the NIHEs in Limerick and Dublin? He will recall that there was an agreement in the House that, if at all possible, this Bill would be passed in time to benefit those doing their final exams this year. I wonder if his plans make that a possibility at this stage?
It is well advanced and we hope to have it before the Dáil very soon.
Does the Taoiseach hope that it will benefit this year's final year students?
That would be a laudable objective.
Can the Minister for Health tell us if it is his intention to bring about further changes in the management structure of the Southern Health Board?
That does not arise now, Deputy. Indeed, there is a question on today's Order Paper in relation to that matter.
May I repeat my request to raise on the Adjournment the adequacy of funds for refurbishment, both this year and next, in the Dublin Corporation area, with particular reference to Ballymun?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
The Minister for the Environment indicated that he would be bringing legislation before the House to introduce statutory provisions relating to the environmental impact assessment reports, for which his Department have already issued guidelines, which are required under EC directives which came into force in July of last year. Can the Taoiseach or the Minister indicate when that legislation is likely to be published?
I am not clear what legislation the Deputy has in mind.
The legislation to give effect to the EC Directive on carrying out environmental impact assessments on major developments — industrial and other types of development, such as mining. A statutory provision is required in that area.
I will have to communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the serious situation which arose at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, when they were on call last night, which resulted in as many as 25 patients having to be sent home today.
I will be in touch with the Deputy in regard to that matter.
Can the Taoiseach tell us when it is intended to take the Committee Stage of the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited (Amendment) Bill, 1988?
I think that question has already been asked.
Ask Dick.
May I proceed to the Business of the House and ask the Taoiseach to make his statement?