It is proposed to take Nos. 7 and 10. It is also proposed that No. 7 shall be taken without debate in accordance with the Order of the House of Tuesday, 9 May.
Order of Business.
Is it agreed that No. 7 shall be taken without debate? Agreed.
Last week and the previous week I sought to bring the Taoiseach's attention to Item No. 16 on today's Order Paper, without the passing of which the constituency of Kerry North is not included in the Shannon area. Effectively this means there is neither a programme for industrial development there nor a programme for the development of tourism. Could that item be included in next week's Order Paper? It would take about two hours of the time of the House and is urgently needed.
Yes, I agreed that it is urgent. We will get on with it as quickly as possible.
I seek your permission to raise on the Adjournment the serious plight of young Irish men and women as outlined on the RTE six o'clock news programme over the past three days. It dealt with the sub-human conditions under which Irish citizens are living and working in Britain. I wish to know what action the Government intend to take so that the health of these people will not be damaged permanently.
I will communicate with the Deputy concerning that matter.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment this evening the proposed closure of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin.
I will communicate with the Deputy. Deputy De Rossa.
Go raibh maith agat. I thought I had become invisible again. Would the Taoiseach clarify what the Government propose to do in relation to the decision of the Supreme Court on the Hyland social welfare case? There is a report——
Deputy De Rossa should raise that matter in another way.
I should explain that the Minister for Social Welfare has promised legislation to deal with this matter. Will the Government now clarify what they propose to do? There are reports in this morning's newspapers that it is intended to reduce social welfare payments to unmarried couples. This is an outrageous proposal.
If it is intended to introduce legislation we will hear a comment thereon.
No legislation is promised.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach indicated yesterday that no legislation was promised in this area and agreed to talk with his Minister, who has publicly stated that legislation will be introduced following the Supreme Court decision.
This matter was dealt with yesterday.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach has twice told the House that no legislation is promised, but his Minister has publicly stated that legislation will be introduced.
This can be resolved in another way.
It is a matter for the Order of Business and should be clarified today.
Deputy McCartan and Deputy De Rossa will please resume their seats. If Deputy De Rossa persists in defying the Chair I have no option but to ask him to leave the House.
I do not want to leave the House.
Please resume your seat.
This question is essential.
On a point of order——
I refuse to accept continual points of order. This is an attempt to disrupt the business of the House. I have indicated to you that you can raise this matter in another way. That is the end of it.
May I seek your permission to raise a point of order?
Is it the same matter to which you have already referred?
Is it in order at this stage on the Order of Business to clarify whether legislation is promised? It is quite clear that publicly the Minister for Social Welfare has promised legislation.
If the Taoiseach says there is no legislation promised in this area the House must accept it.
It must be true.
(Interruptions.)
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the problem which has arisen in An Bord Pleanála and the interminable delays now being caused there because of the failure by the Minister for the Environment to provide adequate staff.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Yesterday morning I raised the matter of the delay in the enforcement of the Abattoirs Act. When will the necessary regulations which have been promised be brought forward by the Minister for Agriculture and Food? There is an urgency to enforce this Bill with implications for disease eradication.
This matter was referred to yesterday.
There are regulations promised.
We cannot have a rehash of yesterday's business again this morning.
The Taoiseach wants to answer.
In a couple of months.
When does the Minister for Agriculture and Food intend to introduce legislation to set up the national milk agency?
Is this legislation promised?
