I have a question which I would like to put to the Taoiseach with regard to the business of the House for the rest of this week and next. Would the Taoiseach consider some procedure to keep the House informed of progress in resolving the current electricity dispute which was the subject of questions during the past few minutes? There may be developments about which the Government would wish the House to be informed. Would the Taoiseach make arrangements to ensure that such information is passed on to the House in view of great seriousness of this dispute and the threat to so many hard won jobs in this country?
Order of Business (Resumed).
Certainly.
Given that senior journalists at Century Radio have been dismissed from their jobs without notice and that the news room at that station has been stripped of its telephones, telex and FAX machines today, may I ask the Taoiseach if the Government intend to bring the Broadcasting Bill before the House again or amendments to it? Surely they must now realise that the Broadcasting Bill as introduced last year is now being shown to be farcical. May I ask the Taoiseach if the Government propose to bring in amendments——
I am sure Deputy Spring will accept that the manner in which the question has been presented is in contrast and in conflict with what is in order on the Order of Business. Questions should relate to legislation that is promised. It should not be a request for legislation.
I was working on the assumption that my eloquence would convince you of the case I was making.
I am afraid that I will have to give you a zero rating.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the Government intend to allow the House to discuss this farcical situation in broadcasting caused by the Bill which was passed in the House last year?
Deputy Spring appreciates that there is a provision under which a Deputy may raise a matter which he considers serious — Private Notice Questions. If the Deputy consults with the Ceann Comhairle he will get advice as to how the matter could be raised and be in order.
I will take your advice but it comes down to a question of allocating time for the House to discuss a very serious matter.
Perhaps then the Deputies sitting behind you and to your left and right, the Whips, might come together on that.
In view of the statement made by the Minister for Agriculture and Food that he intends to seek permission from the European Council of Ministers and the Commission to supply intervention food to the Kurdish refugees, may I ask the Taoiseach if there are any steps which can be taken by the Government unilaterally to release this food to the refugees?
Again, I think Deputy De Rossa will accept that while it is a very important question it is not one which qualifies for presentation or an answer on the Order of Business.
I appreciate the constraints you are acting under but perhaps the Taoiseach would take on board the suggestion that we should look for ways by which the food in our own stores could be made available as quickly as possible.
An Leas Cheann-Comhairle
Ar a fhéachaint a bheidh sé sin.