I understand that the Taoiseach indicated some two weeks ago that the Child Care Bill would have completed its passage through this House before the Christmas recess. I believe quite a number of Government amendments have been circulated in the meantime. Will the Taoiseach confirm that, notwithstanding this, it is still his intention that this Bill will have passed through this House before the Christmas recess?
Order of Business (Resumed).
Yes, we will start next Tuesday.
I wish to seek clarification from the Taoiseach on two matters. The first refers to the setting up of a foreign affairs committee of this House which the Taoiseach has said has been under consideration by him for some time. In view of the seemingly overwhelming desire of Members for a foreign affairs committee, has the Taoiseach given the matter further consideration?
That has been raised on many occasions here.
The Taoiseach said he was giving it consideration. Perhaps he has reached a conclusion. The second matter concerns the appointment of a Minister for Defence and when it is the Taoiseach's intention to make this appointment.
I have not changed my mind about the value of a committee on foreign affairs. I am not persuaded that it would add in any way to the effective discharge of our business. An appointment to the Government will be made in due course.
When does the Taoiseach propose to enable this House to debate the motion adopted by the Security Council of the United Nations last week? It is a serious matter about which there is much public concern and it is an issue which needs to be addressed by the House. When does the Taoiseach intend to have it brought before the House?
Deputies should only raise matters that pertain to promised legislation in the House.
I made this point last week. It is quite in order, based on the precedent of this House.
The Chair will be the judge in such matters.
I appreciate that. You allowed the question last week as being in order.
Reluctantly.
I cannot see how it could be out of order on this occasion. The Taoiseach is indicating he would like to reply.
I am always anxious to be co-operative and helpful, but I cannot on the Order of Business deal with any matter a Deputy wishes to raise. We are trying to improve the whole system of the Order of Business but if Deputies and party leaders feel they can rise and ask any question they wish, we will be back to the same old situation. You have indicated that I can reply to this question and without creating a precedent I should tell the Deputy that I have already indicated what our position is with regard to that resolution. I do not see any particular need for any further debate on it but if events develop and I feel the House should have an opportunity to discuss it I will certainly make provision for it.
In connection with promised legislation, may I ask the Taoiseach, in the light of newspaper reports regarding the scheme of arrangement which has been agreed between the examiner and the banks, if he would agree that it is essential that the Competition Bill which was promised for this session be brought in immediately? Serious damage could be done to the reputation of this country if, subsequently, we changed the monopoly rules, with the Goodman Group no longer controlling 40 per cent of the meat business and the scheme of arrangement was based on the fact that he would retain control over 40 per cent. May I ask the Taoiseach, therefore, to please bring in that legislation next week as a matter of urgency?
The Deputy knows that we are very anxious to get that Bill in as it is very important and something which is urgently called for right across the spectrum. Unfortunately, it is a difficult Bill to draft. The drafting of it is at an advanced stage at the moment but it will not be brought in this session. We will make every effort to get it in as early as possible next session.
In view of the problems which beset the Defence Forces during the past year can the Taoiseach give any indication to the House as to when he proposes to fill the vacant post of the Minister for Defence or is there some problem in relation to this matter?
That question has been asked already.
I have already answered the Deputy's leader.
Does Saddam Hussein know that you are Minister for Defence?
Repetition is a luxury that we cannot afford at this time.
May I ask the Taoiseach as a matter of practical information for the Members of the House when the House will adjourn for Christmas and when it will resume after Christmas?
The House will be informed in plenty of time.
Before Christmas?