It is proposed to take Nos. 4, 5 and 8. It is also proposed that Nos. 4 and 5 shall be taken without debate in accordance with the order of the House of Tuesday, 9 May. Private Members' Business shall be No. 24.
Order of Business.
Is it agreed that Nos. 4 and 5 be taken without debate in accordance with the order of the House of yesterday? Agreed.
While I welcome the thrust of the Bill which he is moving in the Seanad today, can the Taoiseach tell us if the Government have sought clarification on the constitutionality of the Bill and if the Bill will be referred to the Supreme Court?
I am not sure whether that matter arises now, Deputy.
I would have thought that it is a very important matter and in need of some clarification. Perhaps the Taoiseach can give some information——
There are ways and means of raising such matters in the House.
Can the Taoiseach tell us when the Government expect to be in a position to introduce amending social welfare legislation following yesterday's Supreme Court decision in the Hyland case?
No legislation has been promised, but the decision of the Supreme Court is under consideration at the moment.
Can the Taoiseach give us any indication of when we might expect a Bill to be introduced in the House?
The Deputy knows that this Government act with expedition in all matters.
In relation to the same matter, a promise was given that legislation would be introduced. Can the Taoiseach indicate how quickly he proposes——
Did the Deputy say that I promised legislation?
The Taoiseach's Minister promised it yesterday.
He said that legislation has been promised. They do occasionally speak without the Taoiseach's permission.
I will have a word with him.
This matter, while a source of mirth here, is also a source of concern to thousands of men and women living on very small amounts of money. Can the Taoiseach indicate if he will be introducing this legislation in the coming week?
It has already been adverted to.
The Taoiseach has given a very bland reply and I am asking him to give a specific promise to introduce it quickly.
That matter was raised earlier by another Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the operation of export credit insurance in respect of exports to Iran in 1987 and 1988.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the restriction which has been placed by the Minister for Health on the Cork Examiner group of newspapers, the consequent threat to the freedom of the press and the readers' right——
Is the Deputy seeking to raise the matter with me? She may not raise it now in the House.
Is this new restriction going to become known as section 32?
Can the Minister for the Environment tell us if he will soon be in a position to make a decision as to whether the fuel burning fire is a suitable appliance to use in a smoke control area?
It does not arise now, Deputy.
It does.
Deputy Allen is offering.
From 31 May it will be illegal to emit smoke in Ballyfermot.
Please, Deputy Mac Giolla, desist. Deputy Allen.
From 31 May——
Deputy Mac Giolla, please resume your seat.
It is a matter of great urgency.
Deputy Mac Giolla, I have asked you on a number of occasions to desist and resume your seat. Deputy Allen.
May I raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy in respect of that matter.
I also wish to raise on the Adjournment the censorship imposed on the Cork Examiner by the Government and the implications for press freedom in this country.
Please, Deputy Allen. Deputy Flaherty.
Deputy Flaherty rose.
(Interruptions.)
You would be a dangerous crowd if you were in a majority.
I thought the Taoiseach was against privacy.
I am trying to recall the Deputy's name.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Barrett and Deputy O'Keeffe, one of your colleagues is in order and seeking to address the House.
Is the Minister for Labour aware that for the past month 500 people have been on strike at the Unidare factory in Finglas and a very complex industrial relations problem has evolved? Does the Minister propose to take any action?
The Deputy will appreciate that matter does not arise now. I presume she was raising the matter with me.
May I raise it on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Can the Taoiseach explain to the House the continuing failure to enforce the Abattoirs Act which passed through both House some time ago?
Is this in respect of legislation?
If I can assist——
I think the Deputy will have to find another way of raising that matter.
May I assist——
I know the Taoiseach is an endangered species but he does not need that much protection, a Cheann Comhairle.
(Interruptions.)
The Chair is not in the position of protecting anyone but is merely doing his duty.
Apparently there are some difficulties with regulations which attach to the Abattoirs Act. They are effectively promised so I wonder why there is a continuing delay in relation to this most important legislation.
The Deputy should put down a question concerning the implementation of regulations.
With respect, we are in order as it is promised legislation and I would appreciate an answer.
I have advised the Deputy how to deal with the matter.
On behalf of the absent Lord Mayor of Dublin, Deputy Briscoe, and myself, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the problem arising in Dublin Corporation in respect of those tenants who have applied to buy their flats because of the failure of the Minister for the Environment to provide adequate staff.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to ask the Taoiseach if the Government have reached any decision on the submissions made by the all-party committee on the distribution of lottery funds.
Please raise that in the proper way, Deputy.
An all-party committee made submissions to the Government a long time ago and we are still waiting for a decision.
This clearly is not a matter for the Order of Business. There are many other ways of raising the matter.
Deputy Creed rose.
I will not allow you to circumvent my ruling in this matter. It is not in order now and the Deputy must pursue it by other means.
I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.