Order of Business.

The Tánaiste

It is proposed to take Nos. 15 and 17.

It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that: (1) business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. tonight; (2) items Nos. 15 and 17 shall be taken together for the purposes of debate and the following arrangements shall apply:

(a)the speech of the Minister for Finance shall not exceed one hour;

(b)the speech of the main spokesperson nominated by each of the groups shall not exceed 45 minutes; and

(c)the speech of each other Member called on shall not exceed 30 minutes.

(3)There shall be no Private Members' Business today.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal that business be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. this evening agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with Items Nos. 15 and 17 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal that there be no Private Members' Business today agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

Would the Tánaiste indicate when the Government propose to provide time for the debate an Anglo-Irish relations promised here by the Taoiseach on 28 March? Would he also indicate when the Government propose to provide time — again as requested by the Opposition — for a debate on developments in Germany and in Eastern Europe, in view of their possible implications for Irish interests rates, agriculture and our receipts from the Structural Funds?

Finally, would he be prepared to consider a request from the Opposition for a debate on the adverse effects on regional policy and life in rural areas of the proposed closure of sub-post offices by An Post?

An Ceann Comhairle

I allowed some latitude on this matter in the hope and understanding that these matters were adverted to before the recess and that some assurance of replies might be given.

Mr. J. Bruton

In respect of the first two, that is the case, Sir.

The Tánaiste

With regard to the first two, we will have a debate on the outcome of the Summit of Saturday next, developments arising therefrom and a debate on European affairs generally in regard to the Summit's deliberations on Germany and the general political movement in Eastern Europe and of course, subsidiary to that, the effects on the Community and on Ireland in particular. All of that will form the contents of the debate next week, the arrangements and details to be worked out by the Whips.

In regard to the Anglo-Irish debate that can take place in some weeks time — the European debate next week and the Anglo-Irish debate after that — again precise dates, arrangements to be worked out between the Whips. There is agreement in principle on the two matters referred to by Deputy Bruton.

Mr. J. Bruton

Perhaps the Tanáiste would deal with the third part of my question.

The Tánaiste

Is the third matter in order, a Cheann Comhairle?

An Ceann Comhairle

May I ask what it was again?

Mr. J. Bruton

Would the Tánaiste agree to time being provided for a debate in the House on the likely adverse effects on regional policy and life in rural areas of the proposed closure of sub-post offices by An Post?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not for decision now.

Mr. J. Bruton

Surely the Government would agree that this will have an effect on regional policy, that when we are receiving funds from Europe per se——

Mr. Enright

You tried to blow them out.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Enright, will you please allow the business of the House to proceed without interruption?

Mr. Enright

How many are you closing?

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Enright, I must insist that there be no further interruptions.

Mr. Connolly

What about the school in Ballinakill?

Mr. Spring

Like yourself, a Cheann Comhairle, I am a man of great patience. There are two matters I would like to raise. First, I believe this House should record its sadness at the passing this week, at an early age, of one of Dublin's finest citizens, Mr. Willie Bermingham of the ALONE organisation. Second, seeing that the Tánaiste is in a generous mood today, perhaps we could elicit another debate on a matter which the Opposition parties raised together one morning on the Order of Business and that is the collapse of the Merchant Banking Group. The Taoiseach said that this matter would be referred to with the possibility of a debate. Can the Tánaiste tell us if the Government have considered it and if we will have a debate in this House as urgently as possible on the failure of the Merchant Banking Group and the failure to initiate any prosecutions as a result?

The Tánaiste

I would like to be associated with Deputy Spring's remarks. He speaks for everyone in the House in conveying our commiseration to the family of the late Willie Bermingham who was a man of great charitable, social vision. We can certainly consider a debate on the other matter and I will bring it to the notice of the Taoiseach when he comes back. It is certainly worthy of consideration. Perhaps the Deputy would communicate with him on the matter.

Proinsias De Rossa

First, may I ask the Tánaiste in relation to his earlier reply about the debate next week on Eastern Europe and European affairs generally if the Taoiseach intends to deal also with the matter of European political union, to which he has referred in the press, along with the other issues? Second, the programme of legislation circulated by the Government lists 19 Bills which are at various stages. Can the Tánaiste tell us if it is intended to complete those 19 Bills this side of the summer recess and if the order in which they are listed is the order in which they will be introduced?

The Tánaiste

With constructive co-operation there is no reason why we cannot complete all of them. Therefore the onus is strictly on those——

Mr. J. Bruton

So long as the Government are prepared to sit here in the House and not set off somewhere else.

The Tánaiste

We are always willing to co-operate in furthering the business of this House. The Deputy could take a lead from us. Earlier, I replied to questions, on behalf of the Taoiseach, on European political union, which is a matter which will be considered at the summit meeting and which will form part of the debate next week on European affairs in this House.

Mr. Connaughton

Can the Tánaiste inform us if adequate time will be made available for a debate on the GATT negotiations and if such a debate will be held within the next week or two? Two million American farmers seem to be able to dictate the future of 9 million European farmers——

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not a matter for the Order of Business but rather one for the Whips to decide.

Mr. Connaughton

It is a matter for farmers. Will the Tánaiste respond?

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not in order now.

Mr. Ferris

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the proposals of the Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute, which are with the Minister for Education.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Flanagan

On the Order of Business, can the Tánaiste or the Minister for Justice tell us when it is proposed to bring before the House the promised legislation which recognises the right to civil legal aid?

An Ceann Comhairle

Is legislation promised?

Mr. Burke

As soon as possible.

Mr. Flanagan

If that is the case, why is it not included in the schedule which has been circulated?

The Tánaiste

There is a difficulty with taking it this session I am told but as the Minister has said it will be taken as soon as possible.

Mr. Flanagan

In April 1980 we were told it would be taken "as soon as possible" by the present Minister for Foreign Affairs. Could the Tánaiste be more definite?

The Tánaiste

It was also promised during the intervening period.

Mr. Carey

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the case of four Polish citizens who are due to be sent back to Poland next Saturday by the Minister for Justice.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Deenihan

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the proposed closure of a large number of rural sub-post offices by An Post.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will be in touch with the Deputy.

Mr. Howlin

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the urgent need to provide paediatric services in Wexford General Hospital.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will be in touch with the Deputy concerning that matter.

Mr. G. Reynolds

In the absence of the Minister for Agriculture and Food and his Ministers of State I would like the Tánaiste to explain the reason for the inordinate delay in granting headage payments in disadvantaged areas.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should put down a question on the matter.

Mr. G. Reynolds

This is a very serious problem.

Mr. Garland

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the disturbing nature of the latest news from Sellafield regarding a new contract for the reprocessing of 450 tonnes of waste from Germany and the inaction of the Government in this area.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): Can the Tánaiste tell us if the Bill to set up the debt management office in the Department of Finance will be introduced this season? I do not see it listed on the schedule which has been circulated. A saving of £35 million has been included in the budgetary arithmetic. It is about time that he made the saving.

The Tánaiste

All I can say is that it is with the draftsman at present.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): It is not on the list.

The Tánaiste

It will be on the list as soon as it comes back from the draftsman.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): How is the Minister going to save £35 million when he is not setting up the office?

Mr. A. Reynolds

Leave that to me.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): Is he going to change the arithmetic?

Mr. A. Reynolds

My arithmetic stands up.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): Is it another phoney figure?

Mr. Rabbitte

The Taoiseach answered a question——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Deputy Rabbitte, I did not intend calling you just yet. Would you resume your seat?

Mr. Rabbitte

I was merely giving information.

Mr. M. Higgins

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the anomalous position of Irish emigrants in relation to voting procedures within the European Community.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Ceann Comhairle's office will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. Spring

In relation to the Shannon Estuarial Authority Bill, we discussed the Second Stage during the 25th Dáil. Can the Tánaiste inform us if the Government intend reintroducing that Bill which is urgently needed for the Shannon area?

The Tánaiste

I will find out what the position is.

Mr. Spring

Will the Tánaiste ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce?

Mr. Spring

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the necessity for a Shannon estuarial authority——

Mr. Howlin

And ministerial responsibility.

The Tánaiste

We will be in touch with Deputy Spring about it.

Mr. Rabbitte

Could we get some clarification on the point raised by Deputy Noonan? The day before the House adjourned, the Taoiseach said that legislation would be brought forward in this session to set up the debt management agency.

The Tánaiste

That was agreed in principle by the Government. It is with the parliamentary draftsman at the moment who is drafting the technical details of the Bill.

Mr. Rabbitte

Why is it not on the schedule?

The Tánaiste

We will get it on the schedule as soon as it comes back from the Government.

Mr. Noonan (Limerick East)

Does the Tánaiste realise there are savings of £35 million shown on it in the half year?

The Tánaiste

Yes, of course.

Mr. Noonan (Limerick East)

How are the Government going to save it if they do not set up the agency?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I have called Deputy Sheehan. Do you wish to get in?

Mr. Sheehan

It is up to the Chair to give me a chance.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I have called you and I am surprised at how reluctant you are to speak.

Mr. Sheehan

Has the Cabinet considered and cleared Ireland's application for an extension of the disadvantaged areas?

The Tánaiste

That is very much there at the moment.

The Tánaiste

We have taken all the recommendations made by Deputy Sheehan into account.

Mr. Sheehan

Has the Cabinet cleared the application to Europe, yes or no?

The Tánaiste

Yes.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): Has it gone to Brussels?

The Tánaiste

I thought that was implicit in what I said.

Mr. Sheehan

Is it in Brussels at the moment?

The Tánaiste

It is there. We have made a representation to the European Community. It is now lodged in Brussels and involves a substantial enlargement of the disadvantaged areas. I hope that Deputy Sheehan and other Deputies from such areas in this country will be suitably accommodated.

Mr. Gilmore

In regard to an item which is not on the list, the postponement of the local elections——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That is not in order now.

Mr. Gilmore

Will it be next week or the following week?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

It is not in order now.

Mr. Sheehan

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the serious situation that has arisen in Castletownbere Harbour as a result of the shipwrecks lodged in the harbour.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. J. Bruton

On the Order of Business——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We are not proceeding with the Order of Business until the miscellany of meetings taking place in the Chamber have terminated. Could we ask the people who are not interested in the business of the House to take their own business outside.

Mr. J. Bruton

Why is there no firm commitment in the programme for legislation in this session to introduce the colleges Bill to give greater autonomy to regional technical colleges in view of the fact that this has been promised repeatedly? Despite those promises the Minister has failed to produce it even for this summer session.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990