It is proposed to take No. 17. Private Members' Business shall be No. 29, and is is proposed that the proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Deputy J. Bruton rose.
I wish to ask the Taoiseach——
Is the Deputy agreeing the motion?
There is no motion before us.
I am opposed to the Deputy's proposal.
I am sure you are.
Are the proposals as outlined by the Taoiseach for dealing with No. 29 agreed? Agreed.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he is contemplating any amendments to planning legislation to ensure that Government Buildings have to apply for planning permission in order that they comply in full with fire service regulations, in view of the fact as has been alleged on a radio programme today that the Government's rather expensive new building does not comply with normal fire safety requirements?
I am sure Deputy Bruton is well aware that the matter he has referred to is not one for the Order of Business.
I am asking if legislation is promised on this matter.
It must be promised in this House before it is in order to raise it.
I am inquiring if it has been promised and, if not, surely it should have been.
Will the Taoiseach take an opportunity in the House today to make a statement on Mr. Brooke's remarks in regard to the talks in Northern Ireland and the serious situation which could arise if they come to an end? It is a matter of great importance and I feel certain that most Deputies would be anxious to hear such a statement.
I suggest that that matter be raised at another time, perhaps in another way.
This is as good a time as any to raise it.
Following the enactment of the Building Controls Bill, will the Taoiseach say when the building regulations under that Act will be drawn up and circularised?
I will communicate with the Deputy about the present state of the regulations.
Will the Minister for Agriculture and Food be making a statement to the House on the talks at the meeting of the Council of Ministers over the past few days, with particular reference to the Commissioner's proposals which, if implemented, will have dire consequences for our economy?
I am sure the Deputy can find another way of raising that matter.
I should just like to know if the Minister will be making a statement.
You might put down a question in relation to the matter.
It is normal to——
No, not now, Deputy.
Will the Taoiseach or the Minister for Justice tell the House at what stage the promised legislation is with regard to the regulation of telephone tapping? We were advised in this House, as long ago as last October, that it was with the Attorney General's Office and I wonder when it will be circulated.
Is legislation promised?
It is not likely this session.
It is very definitely promised — and needed — legislation. Given that it was with the Attorney General's Office as long ago as October-November last year, will the Taoiseach say what difficulties are impeding its progress?
It should not be the subject of argument or debate.
I am asking what difficulties are preventing it from being circulated this session.
Some time ago in the Dáil I asked the Taoiseach if the Government intended drawing up legislation on the report of the committee set up to monitor crowd and public safety control. The Taoiseach promised that an assessment of legislation required was being considered. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether legislation will now be forthcoming to put in place the recommendations of the committee?
It is a border line case and the legislation that may be required as a result of the report is still under consideration.
(Limerick East): In regard to promised legislation, will the Taoiseach indicate the publication date of the legislation promised to implement the recommendations of the Gleeson report 31?
No, I cannot give the Deputy a date at this stage.
(Limerick East): Will it be in this session?
I do not think so.
Will the Taoiseach state the current situation in relation to the Road Transport Bill to liberalise road passenger services, and which will provide competition for CIE? It was not circulated on the A or B list but it has been promised by the Minister for some time. Is it envisaged that it will be published this session?
It may be published this session but it will not be taken in this session.
I wish to thank the Taoiseach for bestowing another Minister of State on my constituency. I wonder if this means that the Tallaght Hospital will now start on schedule.
It means that the Deputy will be under very considerable pressure in the future.