It is proposed to take Nos. 11, 12 and 13. It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that: (1) business shall be interrupted at 9.00 p.m. tonight; (2) the sitting shall be suspended today from 12.45 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and (3) the proceedings of all Stages of No. 11, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 12.45 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Education. Private Members' Business shall be No. 26.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal in respect of the termination of business at 9 p.m. agreed? Agreed.
Has the Taoiseach any tickets for the match?
Is it agreed that the sitting be suspended from 12.45 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.? Agreed.
Not only is that agreed but I compliment the Taoiseach on his realism and consideration for all of us in arranging that sos.
The first kind word said to me from over there for a long time.
I am actually looking for a ticket.
Are the proposals for dealing with No. 11 agreed? Agreed.
Could I ask the Taoiseach in the same agreeable fashion if he could confirm whether there is any truth in the suggestions in the Irish Press today that he is to make an announcement at a private meeting this morning about an appointment for the former Tánaiste? If that appointment is in any way associated with the Government, will he indicate whether he proposes to have that announcement made here rather than at a private meeting so that it could be debated here before it takes effect?
A word of advice as the Deputy embarks——
(Interruptions.)
I hope I will have a better navigator than the Taoiseach has had of late.
Let me strongly advise the Deputy to ignore all newspaper rumours and never to base his career on those sorts of things.
Can we take it there is no truth in the story? The question is entirely in order.
I have afforded the Deputy the opportunity to ask the question. I now call Deputy Spring.
As a former Tánaiste, one of many around here, I refer the Taoiseach to the appalling sequence of murders and destruction in Northern Ireland, the impasse in the proposed dialogue between the Taoiseach's Government and the British Government and the numerous requests made in this House for consultation between the Leaders of the Opposition parties and the Taoiseach. Would the Taoiseach again consider my request for consultation with the Leaders of the Opposition parties or will he make a statement in this House on the very serious situation in Northern Ireland on a daily basis?
I will consider the matter.
I refer to No. 8 on today's Order Paper, a motion in the name of the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the Lomé 4 Agreement. Can the Taoiseach indicate when it is proposed that the motion will be debated in the House?
I suggest that the Whips discuss it.
The Taoiseach is aware that the agreement cannot come into effect until all Twelve member states agree it. Obviously the sooner the better we deal with the matter.
When will the Taoiseach announce the setting up of an appeals system to enable farmers who are not included in the extension of disadvantaged areas to get their case aired?
The Deputy should put down a question on the matter.
I will tell the Deputy if he tells me where he stands at the moment.
The Taoiseach was very glad to stand on firm ground the night he was shipwrecked at Mizen Head at the extreme end of my constituency.
Does the Taoiseach intend to bring in legislation in this session to revise the constituencies?
The Deputy is a gentleman and therefore I will not give him the short answer that I dealt with that yesterday.
In view of the length of time the Bill dealing with the dissolution of the Irish Land Commission has been on the Order Paper will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation will be introduced?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
The point I am making is that to all intents and purposes the Land Commission has been out of use. There is urgent need for some land agency to monitor the sale of agricultural land and uneconomic holdings. When will legislation be introduced in this area?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
The Deputy has now made his point.
In respect of the Environmental Protection Agency Bill due to be circulated very soon will the Taoiseach or the Minister for the Environment indicate whether there will be proposals contained in it to abolish third party appeals in the light of rumours of statements that have issued recently?
The Deputy had better wait to see the Bill.
When will the Bill be circulated?
Very soon.
In his efforts to wipe out the use of angel dust in feed to cattle would the Minister care to comment on the fact that some meat factories seem to favour cattle which have been fed with this dreadful product?
Matters relating to agriculture will be dealt with at Question Time today. This is not in order now.
It is something that came up yesterday.
It is not in order.
It is important that the Minister deal with it.
(Limerick East): When does the Taoiseach intend to bring forward legislation implementing the recommendations of the Gleeson report, 31?
That is under active consideration at the moment.