It is proposed to take Nos. 13, 14 and 15. It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that (1) the business shall be interrupted not later than 10.30 p.m. and (2) expressions of sympathy shall be made at 3.45 p.m. by a spokesperson nominated by each of the parties on the death of Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich. Private Members' Business shall be No. 28.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal that business be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. tonight agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal that the expressions of sympathy be at 3.45 p.m. satisfactory?
That proposal is agreed but I regret, however, that I will be unable to be present at that time.
Am I in order in asking the Tánaiste, in view of the fact that since our debate on European developments last Thursday the Government have announced that they intend submitting their own proposals for European political unity to the summit in June, if it is the intention of the Government to have those proposals debated in the House at any stage between now and June?
That is not a matter for the Order of Business and Deputy Quinn surely realises that.
We may be told that the proposals are already there.
I am concerned to ask if time will be made available.
The Deputy should raise that matter in a more formal way.
With all due respect, I am in order in asking if the Government intend making time available in the House to debate this.
That is a matter for the Whips.
In view of the circumstances I should like to ask the Tánaiste to brief the Government Whip as to the Government's intentions in regard to this.
The Deputy is clearly seeking to circumvent the ruling of the Chair on this matter.
The Whips can discuss the matter.
I should like the permission of the Chair to raise on the Adjournment the reported resale of Carysfort College and the failure to date of the Minister for Education to respond to an offer which would enable the State to purchase the property.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to ask the Tánaiste if the Government will ensure that the Criminal Law (Rape) Bill which has taken almost two years to progress through the House will be given priority with a view to having it passed during this session.
It certainly will be taken in this session and, hopefully, with everybody's co-operation will pass in this session.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the serious situation confronting the Southern Health Board regarding the efficient operation of the Cork Regional Hospital, the difficulties experienced there because of the failure of the Minister for Health to make a capital allocation for the replacement of essential medical equipment and the failure of the Minister to fill a number of consultancy posts.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Southern Health Board to restore the dental service for the primary school children in the Killarney urban area.
I will be in touch with the Deputy concerning that matter.
With the permission of the Chair I should like to raise on the Adjournment the continuing deterioration of the bus service in this city.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Limerick East): With the permission of the Chair I should like to raise on the Adjournment the inadequacy of accommodation for students at the CoACT Colleges in Limerick.
I will communicate with the Deputy in respect of that matter.
With the permission of the Chair I should like to raise on the Adjournment the delay in the payment of headage grants to a large number of farmers.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 46 of 1 May.
I will be in touch with the Deputy concerning that matter.
The Chair ruled one of my questions on Gibraltar out of order and while I understand his ruling it discomforts me. I should like to ask the Chair for permission to raise on the Adjournment the uncertainty of the Government's position in relation to prosecuting the case of Irish citizens shot in Gibraltar.
I will communicate with the Deputy concerning that matter.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the issue of the future of the Darndale/Belcamp Unemployment Action Group and the failure of the Minister for Social Welfare to respond to their application for funding and help which has been with him since March last.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the accommodation problems at Ladyswell national school.
I will be in touch with the Deputy.