It is proposed to take statements on the Report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women.
Order of Business.
There is nothing to put to the House.
Can the Taoiseach confirm that he said on 98FM Radio, in regard to the Digital workers, that it is not the end of the world for the families concerned?
Did the Deputy listen to what was said?
I understand that the Taoiseach did say so.
I think this House——
This shows a lack of understanding of the magnitude of the disaster, which is truly breathtaking——
Order, please.
I know the extent of the disaster——
This is not Question Time.
——and the extent of the disasters which have occurred in other places in the past——
Did the Taoiseach say that this was not the end of the world for the families affected?
This House devoted a considerable amount of time to this sad episode.
This displays all too clearly——
This is no way to continue the matter.
——why the Government was caught napping on this issue.
Please, Deputy.
(Interruptions.)
May I ask the Taoiseach if he will redeem that very grave error on his part by agreeing to the immediate establishment of the enterprise and economic strategy committee and empowering it to investigate why Ministers did not act promptly enough in view of the fact——
Please, Deputy, some regard must be had to what is in order and to what is not in order on the Order of Business.
This is in order.
It is not in order.
The establishment of the committee is in order.
Please, Deputy Bruton, let us have some respect for the regulations governing the procedures of this House.
When will the Government provide time to introduce a motion to establish the enterprise and economic strategy committee in order to allow it to investigate the Government's failure to act in time on Digital?
There are other ways of raising these matters. I trust that——
That is a legitimate question.
Even if the committee is established it will not be able to investigate the Government's failure to act on this issue as it will have no power.
I am afraid I shall have to stipulate again what is in order and what is not in order at this time. Deputy Pat Rabbitte.
May I ask the Taoiseach when it is proposed to bring before this House legislation to have the new agencies established, having regard to the crisis to which Deputy Bruton referred and to the general jobs crisis and, specifically, when the job protection unit will be established within the Department?
Is legislation in this area promised?
Yes, it is at a very advanced stage of preparation and will be brought in as soon as it is ready.
On my initiative yesterday, you, Sir, decided to call for independent arbitration and mediation in the audio typists' dispute. In view of the interest that you and the House generally have taken in this matter, are you in a position to give a report on progress in the dispute since the initiative yesterday morning.
As Members are aware, I indicated that I would welcome the industrial dispute concerning the audio typists and the clerical grades being referred to a mediator under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. I am pleased to report that the dispute has been referred to the Labour Relations Commission and the meeting is to take place early next week. I am most hopeful that the dispute can now be resolved amicably. The industrial action was suspended as and from today and I am pleased to say that the clerical grades have returned to work. Let us hope, therefore, for a speedy and amicable settlement.
I wish to place on record my thanks to you, Sir, for the prompt manner in which you acted on the suggestion made by me yesterday and the very successful outcome thereof.