It is proposed to take Nos. 2 and 5. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 2 shall be decided without debate.
Order of Business.
I want to thank Fine Gael for making this recommendation and the other parties, including the Government parties, for agreeing to it. It represents an improvement. I still hold the view that having Priority Questions is a nonsense. It makes distinctions between Members of the House, but I acknowledge that this is an improvement.
I thank Deputy Rabbitte for his gracious remarks. Could I ask the Taoiseach if he would indicate when the Juvenile Justice Bill will be——
It is agreed that No. 2 be taken without debate? Agreed.
In regard to promised legislation and in view of the quite horrifying events across the water, involving crimes apparently by juveniles, could I ask the Taoiseach when the Juvenile Justive Bill amending the Children's Act of 1908 will be introduced here?
Work is continuing on the Bill. It is most unlikely that it will be ready by the end of this session.
In view of the great concern in this city and other urban areas about crimes committed by juveniles, would the Taoiseach agree to take a personal interest in bringing this legislation quickly to the House?
I am fully conscious of and concerned about the escalation in juvenile crime and I have already asked for the Bill to have as much priority as possible.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he or the Minister for Enterprise and Employment would make a statement about the position of Digital in Galway where, if the plant were to close, it would be potentially disastrous given that 1,200 people are employed there, and whether anything more can be done to further the interests of Galway and Ireland as against those of the other plant in question?
This is a very important matter and I am anxious that the House should have an opportunity of dealing with it. Regretfully, this is not the appropriate time.
The Taoiseach might give some indication.
I cannot put down a Private Notice Question today as it is Friday. Because of the great urgency, and as something may well happen over the weekend, I feel reference should be made to it by the Government this morning.
I appreciate the predicament the Deputy finds himself in.
Given the threat not only to the 1,000 jobs in Galway but similar threats to many other plants, does the Government intend, under its Programme for Government, to provide legislation to underpin the job protection unit which it proposes to establish and which would require legislation if it is to have grant giving or other such powers?
Is specific legislation promised in this area?
It is a specific promise.
No.
In view of the strong criticisms made yesterday by the Minister for Health in relation to inducements from drug companies to medical doctors, does the Taoiseach intend to proceed with the legislative process to deal with this matter? The EC has already issued a directive which should have been complied with on 1 January. I was rather surprised to hear the Minister make the strong criticisms without having actually taken action himself to deal with this problem. I wonder if the Taoiseach could answer on that?
What is the position?
There is no legislation promised.
I think the Deputy must pursue the matter in another way.
This is a very serious matter, particularly when you consider——
There are many ways open to the Deputy to ventilate her views on that matter. It is not appropriate now.