It is proposed to take Item No. 13. It is also proposed that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, (1) Questions shall not be taken on Tuesday and Wednesday and questions for oral answer shall not be taken on Thursday of next week; (2) at its rising today the Dáil shall adjourn until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 11 February 1992.
Order of Business.
May I ask whether the first proposal is agreed? Agreed.
Is the second proposal agreed? Agreed.
On the Order of Business would the Taoiseach agree to make special provision today for a short discussion on the position in Northern Ireland, in view of the continuing spate of murders there, in order to allow the House express its sympathy with the bereaved and its determination to take whatever measures it can, both of a political and security nature, to bring those responsible to justice and this carnage to an end?
I hesitate to rule on the matter for reasons of security.
I am not averse to allowing some time today. I suggest that such debate be by way of brief statements, that would be more appropriate. With your permission, A Cheann Comhairle, I suggest that around 11.30 a.m. today the Whips might arrange something of that kind.
I thank the Taoiseach for agreeing to that proposal.
I was about to raise the matter. I too would like to thank the Taoiseach for the manner in which he has responded. No doubt the Whips can get together to arrange details of the statements which would be in order.
A Cheann Comhairle, the matter raised by Deputy John Bruton was one I too wished to raise. Since last weekend there have been 11 people murdered in Northern Ireland. In fact, the last five weeks were the worst in Northern Ireland since 1976. It is only appropriate that this House have an opportunity to express its views on the matter. I thank the Taoiseach for making that provision.
Can we resume the budget debate?
On the Order of Business, has the Taoiseach had an opportunity to consider further the suggestion that the Environmental Protection Agency Bill be taken in Special Committee as it is imperative that it be enacted this session?
I have not had an opportunity of devoting my attention exclusively to that matter. There have been other questions and issues obtruding into the time of the Government. It is not a bad suggestion. I will think about it and convey my views later.
The Taoiseach might even serve on the committee himself.
Will the Taoiseach request the Minister for State with responsibility for public works, or indeed the Minister for the Environment, to investigate the possibility of some intervention to save Howth House or at least secure its architectural heritage?
Please, Deputy. I thought you were raising a matter appropriate to the Order of Business. It is not.
I wanted to lend my voice to all those concerned.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): On this auspicious occasion may I, in reply to the Taoiseach's quotation, quote, not in the literal sense, what Horatio said to Hamlet: “Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
I know the Deputy from Carlow-Kilkenny is a poet but I think he is engaging in a little poetic licence in calling this occasion auspicious.
There are no angels over there.
Order, Please.
Last Wednesday morning when I raised the question of the extension of the powers of the Castletownbere harbour master over the waters of Bear Haven Sound, the Taoiseach replied that it was a top priority of the Cabinet. Because of the Taoiseach's departure today will his message to me fall by the wayside or will he insist that the incoming Taoiseach honour the commitment forthwith?
I have permitted a lot of licence here this morning and that should be adequate. I think the Taoiseach may wish to reply to you.
In view of the Taoiseach's commitment will he take the precaution in case he would go on the rocks again.
Deputy Sheehan, the battle is over. Let us return our swords to their scabbards.
With these sentiments I now resume the Order of Business.