It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 14. It is also proposed that No. 1 be taken without debate. Private Members' Business shall be No. 31.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal that No. 31 be taken without debate agreed? Agreed.
In view of the Chair's failure to accept Deputy Shatter's motion can I ask the Government if they will provide time for a debate in this House on the escalating level of unemployment in the country as revealed by figures which were surreptitiously let out prematurely on the day the war ended in order that they would not get any attention, attention which they much deserved because of their importance?
The matter to which the Deputy refers is not one for the Order of Business.
It is certainly one for this House.
Deputies:
Hear, hear.
It is, surely, at the proper time.
In respect of promised legislation will the Taoiseach say if the Government have resolved their ongoing and very public difficulties with regard to proposals for local government reform and is the Taoiseach happy to see so much of the content of those discussions disclosed on the pages of the daily news-papers?
The Deputy should not believe everything he reads in the news-papers.
That is a matter that has been raised here practically every day.
The legislation to reform local government is on course and will be introduced in plenty of time——
On a rocky course.
——for the local elections in June, as I have told this House on countless occasions.
Is it a Progressive Democrat course?
(Interruptions.)
Is the Taoiseach happy to see Government Ministers selectively revealing Cabinet discussions in regard to this matter on an almost daily basis?
We cannot debate that matter.
One brief comment, a Cheann Comhairle?
(Interruptions.)
Anything that may be happening in that regard pales into insignificance compared with the open battles that the reason — incidentally, I should not be replying in this fashion; I do it as a matter of courtesy.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Spring.
I can see that I am certainly getting under the Taoiseach's skin, when he has to resort to nicknames of that kind.
Could I seek some clarification from the Taoiseach in relation to statements he made in the last number of days, that the Government intend bringing in amending legislation in relation to the family planning Act 1979? Is it intended to have this before this session or before the summer recess?
Is this promised legislation?
It was not promised in this House.
(Interruptions.)
A Cheann Comhairle——
(Interruptions.)
On a point of order, the Taoiseach has been on the national airwaves stating that he would bring forward amending legislation. Out of respect to Members he should clarify the position. Will it be this session or the next session, or has a decision been made about it at all?
(Interruptions.)
I at all times wish to keep within the bounds of order, as the Chair knows. It would be outside the bounds of order if I were to reply to that question from Deputy Spring. The Deputy has the simple method open to him, to put down a parliamentary question about any legislation and it will be answered fully.
A little embarrassing.
The Taoiseach, I am afraid, is using a parliamentary condom to get out of the problem. Can I ask a question that is in order in relation to legislation?
(Interruptions.)
A Deputy:
The reaction was very slow over there.
You will have to be quicker than that this weekend.
(Interruptions.)
It was known as a political cycle regulator.
On No. 4 on the Order Paper, the Presidential Establishment (Amendment) Bill, when is it proposed to introduce that legislation? While I am on my feet, I welcome the fact that the Government have decided to have a debate in the House next week on the Gulf War.
It is hoped to take it before the end of this session.
Last Thursday I tabled a special notice question in relation to the sale of the B & I and the Chair ruled it out of order on the grounds that it was lacking in urgency. Later that day employees of the B & I line were sent a letter saying that agreement had been reached that day. I since wrote to the Chair about this matter but I have not received a reply. As far as I am concerned it could not have been more urgent in the circumstances.
Deputies:
Hear, hear.
I am sorry that the Deputy did not receive the reply from my office. I certainly gave it personal attention. It was conveyed to the Deputy that the reason — incidentally, I should not be replying in this fashion; I do it as a matter of courtesy.
(Interruptions.)
I do it as a matter of courtesy to the Deputy, not as a precedent. I have told the Deputy that the matter to which he refers requires legislation——
A Deputy:
You are having a bad day.
——and consequently the urgency disappears. That legislation will be forthcoming in this House in a relatively short time, I understand and the Deputy will have ample time to debate the matter.
A Deputy:
Retrospectively.
(Interruptions.)
Will the Taoiseach say when this legislation in relation to the B & I will be published, and will it be taken this session?
It is very likely to be taken this session.
In relation to published legislation, I asked last week when item No. 6 on the B list, the Roads Bill, will be taken and the Taoiseach in responding commented that local authorities would be notified of their discretionary road grants immediately. That has not happened and an unprecedented delay has occurred in the notification to local authorities on their road allocation. They are unable to complete their plans for this year in relation to road construction and roads, particularly county roads, are going to rack and ruin while county councils are awaiting their allocations. Perhaps the Taoiseach would elaborate on the answer he gave me last week and clarify exactly when the allocation will be made.
It is not in order; I am sorry.
The Taoiseach answered it last week.
I will say to the Deputy at this stage that good news is worth waiting for.
For ever? There will not be any roads left.
Is the Taoiseach aware that our laws cannot cope with serious fraud? Have the Government any plans to introduce a new criminal justice Bill? It has been promised in the House many times.
You might put down a question on that, Deputy. Deputy Farrelly has been offering.
Have the negotiations and consultations promised on the night of the budget when the business expansion scheme was abolished, been finalised?
Out of order.
The Taoiseach gave a commitment on that occasion that he would negotiate with his Cabinet colleagues on this urgent matter.
Perhaps the Deputy will raise it at the appropriate time.
It is promised legislation, covered by the Finance Bill.
The Taoiseach said it with both hands joined as if he were praying.
The Finance Bill is promised legislation.
When can we expect the Finance Bill?
It will be taken next session as I have already informed Deputy Noonan.
(Interruptions.)
There are many nervous gestures to be seen.
I recall I informed the Deputy that it would be published at the beginning of April.