Could I ask the Minister for Finance when he proposes to circulate the legislation in respect of Oireachtas Members' allowances and to provide a statutory basis for clerical assistants for Oireachtas Members and other matters related which require legislation?
Order of Business (Resumed).
It is at an advanced stage of preparation.
Perhaps I might ask the question again. When is it proposed to circulate the legislation?
That will depend on how rapidly the preparation can proceed.
How rapidly might that be?
After Christmas.
That depends on the industry of the Government.
Could I ask the Taoiseach, in view of the threat to Ireland's interests and to the economy if he will involve himself in the GATT talks, especially in view of the reported involvement of Helmut Kohl and President Mitterand last evening?
The Deputy should raise that matter at another time.
It is vital that the interests of the country are protected.
That is not in order now, Deputy Allen.
Can I have an answer from the Taoiseach?
Deputy Brendan Howlin.
Could I ask the Taoiseach or the Minister for the Environment when the National Roads Authority Bill and the Environmental Protection Agency Bill will be circulated and taken?
The Environmental Protection Agency Bill will be circulated next Tuesday.
Mr. Barrett
Agreement at last.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the only delay was our anxiety to ensure perfection.
It is as good an excuse as any.
The former Tánaiste was looking for perfection recently in some other matter: "the perfect heave" were the words he used.
In view of the very serious reports——
The perfect heave.
(Interruptions.)
Please, let us hear Deputy Sherlock.
In view of the very serious reports that are now emanating from investigation of the Ballycotton sea disaster, would the Taoiseach or the Minister for the Marine state when, in the interests of the Irish people, the public sworn inquiry will be set up?
The Deputy should pursue that in the usual way.
I thank the Taoiseach for his response in relation to the Environmental Protection Agency Bill. When will the National Roads Authority Bill be circulated and when will both Bills be taken? Is it envisaged — as promised in the House — that the Environment Protection Agency Bill will be enacted before the Christmas recess?
I do not think that is now possible. As the Deputy knows, there is other legislation, such as the Children Bill, which we are anxious to complete before the Christmas recess. I assure the Deputy that the Environmental Protection Agency Bill will have top priority in the new session. The National Roads Authority Bill will not be introduced in this session but I hope it will come in the next session.