In view of the fact that the Government finances are plainly off the rails, may I ask the Taoiseach if the mini-budget suggested by the Minister for Industry and Commerce is to be introduced and, if so, if it will be introduced before the local elections?
Order Of Business (Resumed).
I am not certain this is appropriate to the Order of Business. When was this legislation promised, Deputy?
As the Taoiseach has been referring frequently to his Ard Fheis speech I refer him to the conference of another party whose members sit at the Cabinet table, namely the Progressive Democrats. Perhaps when the Taoiseach is lodging his speech in the library he would lodge Deputy O'Malley's speech also. If he takes the trouble to read that speech he will find a reference clearly indicating that Deputy O'Malley believes a mini-budget is necessary. May I ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he was speaking for the Government on that occasion?
Deputy Bruton should find another way of raising that matter. It is not appropriate now.
(Limerick East): Deputy O'Malley's budget would probably raise public expenditure further.
At the commencement of this session the Government circulated a document purporting to be the legislative programme for this session. There was then introduced in the middle of this session promised legislation in the form of a Bill relating to Temple Bar to which no reference was made in that schedule, although obviously it was being contemplated since the Temple Bar company was established. Two weeks ago we were told that Committee Stage of the Finance Bill would begin on 14 May but I understand now it is the intention of the Government to postpone that by at least two days to accomodate pushing through the local government legislation. In the light of the uncertainty, and perhaps confusion, in the Cabinet, will the Taoiseach clarify the Government's legislative intentions between now and the end of this session?
As the Deputy knows, the publication of the list is merely courtesy by the Government to help the Opposition parties. It is not a definitive list but is merely an indication of the legislation it is hoped to take, and it has always been subject to variation as the session goes on. At the moment the major piece of legislation before the House is the legislation we are about to deal with now on local government reform. We will then complete the Finance Bill and the Competition Bill, which I know is regarded as important by the parties. I hope to take the Temple Bar legislation which I do not think will be very contentious or will take much time. Apart from giving priority to those areas, I have promised the House that we will have a wide-ranging debate on European affairs. These will be the main highlights between now and the end of the session. We will then proceed with the list as published.
In relation to what the Taoiseach has said and having regard to the very unsatisfactory parliamentary procedure we are engaging in today, I invite the Taoiseach to circulate as soon as possible the Temple Bar legislation and the explanatory memorandum with as much information as possible so that it will not take up unnecessary time. Perhaps if he would convey that advice to the current Minister for the Environment we might all do a better day's work.
I would certainly be very happy to circulate the Temple Bar legislation as soon as possible and to give the fullest possible outline of what is in it.
For the umpteenth time in relation to Item No. 1 on the Order Paper, the interim report of the Committee of Public Accounts on the sale of Tara Mines for $50 million, since the Whips have not been able to make time available to discuss this matter in the House I request the party leaders to provide an opportunity to debate the report in the House as it is now over a year on the Order Paper. I have raised this matter time and time again. There is little point in asking committees to report to the House if they are then not afforded the courtesy of a debate on that report.
I am glad to be able to assure the Deputy that we will take that matter this session.
May I ask the Taoiseach when amending legislation will be introduced to bring about free hospitalisation and free consultant care for all working people?
Is the Deputy referring to the eligibility legislation?
Yes.
It is practically ready to be published.
In the light of what the Taoiseach has said about the legislative programme, am I to take it that the Roads Bill — or as it should more properly be called, the toll roads Bill — will not be debated this session prior to the local elections?
No Bill called the toll roads Bill will be taken but the Roads Bill will be taken this session.
Will we take Second Stage this session?
Will Deputy Brian Lenihan believe you?