Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 10

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 19, 20 and 21.

It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that 1, the sitting shall be suspended between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.; 2, business shall be interrupted at 9 p.m. tonight; 3, the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of No. 19, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7 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 Health; 4, the Second Stage of No. 21 shall be taken at 7 p.m. and the order shall not resume and 5, the Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m.

An Ceann Comhairle

I must now ask if the proposal that the sitting be suspended between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. today is agreed?

Mr. McCartan

I have no difficulty about the suspension, it is important that there be a break to facilitate staff and others. However, as a result, we will lose an hour of important time for debate on the Child Care Bill, 1988. In relation to that and item No. 3 as a means of ensuring that there will be at least some debate on all Parts and sections of the Bill remaining — there are over 100 amendments outstanding to be discussed on Report Stage — could there be agreement reached between the Government and other party Whips to schedule the remaining debate on these amendments so that all aspects of the Bill will be covered at least in part before we guillotine the debate at 7 p.m. this evening?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a matter for the Whips. I see no reason why we cannot arrive at a satisfactory conclusion about the Deputy's suggestion. In fact, we have been doing that in respect of this Bill all the way through.

Mr. Howlin

By way of being helpful may I indicate that that is actually what has been happening. As we progress through the Bill we are making arrangements to take the relevant sections.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am sorry if I assumed the role of the Taoiseach in this matter, it was audacious of me.

Mr. Spring

There might be a vacancy shortly.

Mr. McCartan

What I was endeavouring to suggest was that a device we used previously of setting time limits for dealing with sections or Parts of the Bill might be worked out between the Whips to enable us get through the entire Bill.

The Taoiseach

The only issue here is the sos.

An Ceann Comhairle

I take it the sos is agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that business be interrupted at 9 p.m. this evening? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with item No. 19 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with item No. 21 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for tomorrow's sitting agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

In view of the promised amendments to the solicitor's Acts will the Taoiseach say whether he will bring this matter forward speedily because of the plain need demonstrated in the "Today Tonight" programme last evening for adequate sanctions on professional people who become directors of banks which become involved in depriving people of their savings by means which are not legal or proper? Will he agree that it is necessary that professional people, whether they be accountants or solicitors, be subject to proper discipline, externally accountable to the State for misdemeanours or failures in this area in regard to their responsibilities as directors of banks? Furthermore, will he agree that we need, in the solicitors Act which is promised, and in whatever other regulatory legislation is necessary, tough, effective measures to ensure that this country does not become a haven for white collar crime?

An Ceann Comhairle

Please, Deputy, to embark on speeches at this stage is totally out of order. Is there legislation proposed in this area?

The Taoiseach

The new amended solicitors' legislation is well under way.

Mr. J. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach not agree that that legislation has been promised repeatedly, we have been told repeatedly that it is well underway, that we cannot afford to have professional misdemeanours of this kind not punished in this jurisdiction which would be punished in others?

An Ceann Comhairle

This should not give rise to argument or disputation now.

Mr. Spring

In view of the remarks made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday, and the optimism that is abroad in relation to possible talks, would the Taoiseach say whether another meeting has been scheduled between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for the North before Christmas, or whether the Taoiseach expects to make an announcement in this House before the Christmas recess?

The Taoiseach

On the talks, no, I do not expect to have anything particular to announce before we rise.