It is proposed that business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. this evening. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that statements shall be made today on the European Union Treaty and that the following arrangements shall apply: (1) those statements shall not exceed 20 minutes (2) the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be called upon not later than 10.10 p.m. to make a statement in reply. It is further proposed that the Dáil shall meet on Friday, 12 June at 10.30 a.m., and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m., and at the conclusion of business on that day shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday 23 June 1992. Private Members' Business shall be No. 32, motion 41.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal that business be interrupted at 10.30 p.m. satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with statements today agreed?
No, on the grounds that there is no specific provision for anyone from the Green Party, The Workers' Party or from the Independents who are opposed to the Maastricht Treaty. In order to have a proper balance in this debate I appeal to the Taoiseach specifically to allow time for those smaller parties. Unless the Taoiseach does so, I must oppose the Order of Business.
The proposals for dealing with statements today are agreed with Deputy Garland dissenting.
There is no response from the Taoiseach. He is not interested in democracy.
(Interruptions.)
Is the proposal that the Dáil shall meet on Friday, 12 June at 10.30 a.m. satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that on the conclusion of business on that day the Dáil shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 23 June 1992? Agreed.
Have the Government yet concluded their consideration of legislation to provide for sub-county structures in local government? In view of the commitment contained in the Government's joint programme in regard to an increase in overseas development aid, has any decision been taken to introduce a Supplementary Estimate on that matter for 1992, so that the Taoiseach can make such an announcement on his visit to Rio de Janeiro in the next few days?
The answer to the two parts of Deputy Bruton's question is "no".
Will the Taoiseach inform the House at what stage is the setting up of the committee on foreign affairs? Will it be set up this session?
My understanding is that it is with the Whips. We are awaiting final word from the Whips.
The Taoiseach is in favour of it?
We will certainly discuss it again on Thursday and finalise it, as far as I am concerned.
In view of the fact that the terms of reference for this committee are not being circulated to the Democratic Left, will the Taoiseach confirm that the terms of reference exclude the committee from discussing the negotiating position of the Irish Government in the European Community?
That is not a question appropriate to the Order of Business.
It is an important matter. If the other parties are about to agree terms of reference in relation to a foreign affairs committee which will be excluded essentially from dealing with European Community affairs, and from discussing the matters which the Government will be discussing at European Council level, where will be the democratic content in that?
The Chair never challenges the importance or the appropriateness of questions. What the Chair must do is indicate that, however important, some questions are not appropriate to the Order of Business. The Deputy will have to discover some other means by which he could get the information which, understandably, he requires.
Can I ask something which perhaps may be appropriate to the Order of Business? In view of the fact that the four parties in this House, Labour, Fine Gael, Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil have signed a pledge today calling for a "Yes" vote——
Hear, hear,
——and that a similar political line-up in Denmark convinced the people of Denmark that they should vote "No", what contingency plans have the Government in the event of a "No" vote here?
The use of the word "perhaps" was an indication of the Deputy's guilty conscience as to whether or not this was appropriate.
It may not be appropriate, but it is a good point.
Will the Taoiseach take this opportunity to reassure the public that his party are not behind the campaign of vilification which the Progressive Democrats allege is being conducted against them in the media?
Deputy Rabbitte, that might qualify for marks under "flippancy" but it is not appropriate——
(Interruptions.)
——to the Order of Business.
As the Taoiseach has the Minister for Justice close at hand and as the legal aid system, both civil and criminal is in a shambles, could he advise the House of the stage at which the proposed Civil Legal Aid Bill is, and at what stage is the minor and technical but important Bill dealing with the criminal legal aid scheme? They were both promised in the Programme for Government some years ago.
Both Bills are in the early stages of preparation.
They were advanced in 1983.
On Friday, we will be discussing the Estimates for the Department of Finance. Is it the Government's intention to give details as to the provision they will be making for the extra costs associated with the beef tribunal inquiry, and is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate to the House the extra revenue that will be required at that time?
Deputy Quinn appreciates that questions that aim at projections in the matter of Estimates are not in order on the Order of Business.
I am trying to help the Taoiseach to run the business.
The question of whether the Deputy is helping or not does not make any difference to the Chair.
The questions will be raised on Friday and to avoid the Chair being obliged to rule us out of order I am giving notice of those questions. There should be replies. They are paying them out on a daily basis and should know what they are costing.
The Chair is appreciative of the Deputy's consideration.
In view of the fact that there are only nine days before the referendum will be held, has the Taoiseach been furnished with the wording of the right to travel amendment a lá the Progressive Democrats?
That is not in order.