It is proposed to take Nos. 3 and 4. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: 1. the proceedings on the Second Stage of No. 3 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the debate: (i) the opening speech of the Minister and of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrats Party and the Technical Group shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case; (ii) the speech of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes; and (iii) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon not later than 6.45 p.m. to make a speech in reply not exceeding 15 minutes. 2. In the case of the resumed debate on No. 4, the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes. 3. Private Members' Business, which shall be No. 9, shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Are the proposals for dealing with No. 3 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 4, the budget debate, agreed?
I propose that we do not have the budget debate as the next item of business after the Criminal Justice Bill and that the Order be amended to eliminate reference to No. 4. The House should as its next business discuss the situation in Aer Lingus. We need to know what exactly is the position of the Minister and the Government in this matter. Have they handed over entire responsibility to one individual? I propose an amendment to Standing Orders to delete the reference to No. 4 and to substitute a debate on Aer Lingus. I hope the Government will agree to such an amendment. I would point out that if there is no business ordered for Friday the Government could certainly take this debate on that day if not today.
I am sorry I cannot accept the Deputy's proposal in that it is the prerogative of the Taoiseach to nominate the subject matter for debate and that subject matter cannot be deleted or substituted. We can amend proposals but we cannot interfere with the subject matter as announced by the Taoiseach.
I recognise that everybody in this House, not least the Government, is very concerned about the serious situation in Aer Lingus. The Government has no objection whatsoever to having a debate on this matter at the earliest possible moment. We all recognise the importance of the Criminal Justice Bill before the House today, but as the Whips will meet this evening I suggest that they discuss the opportunities and timescale for having a debate on this matter in the House this week.
Will Deputy Kemmy attend that meeting?
I thank the Taoiseach for his response and hope we will have a debate on the matter this week. My party will be opposing any Order of Business that does not contain provision for such a debate this week.
May I take it, in respect of the proposal for dealing with No. 4, the budget debate, that that matter be deferred pending the decision of the Whips this evening? Is that the understanding of the House?
Agreed.
Is the proposal that Private Members' Business be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. tonight satisfactory? Agreed.
Will the Taoiseach indicate to the House why members of the Government, who a little more than a year ago called for the resignation of Mr. Bernie Cahill from Greencore as they believed he was unsuitable for that job, now find him capable of restructuring Aer Lingus?
Please, Deputy, we should not reflect on persons outside the House in this manner.
All has changed.
On promised legislation, will the proposed employment protection unit await the new Industrial Development Act in view of the fact that again yesterday 250 jobs were lost without any effective job protection measures coming from the Government?
Is legislation promised in this area?
That legislation is being prepared at the moment. It is at an early stage of preparation. It will be some time yet before it comes before the House.
How many jobs will be lost in the meantime?
When will the Social Welfare Bill be published?
Very shortly.
This week?
It will be published tomorrow.
In view of recent newspaper reports and as we are about to commence debate on the Criminal Justice Bill, will the Minister for Justice say if she has any plans to ensure that the law as it stands is implemented fairly and applied equally to all citizens irrespective of their standing in society?
Perhaps the Deputy is anticipating debate on the Bill.
Will either the Chair or the Taoiseach inform the House what steps are being taken to deal with the backlog, which arose as a result of the strike by the audio typists and the clerical staff, which remains and is causing a lot of inconvenience. I understand that the work between 10-24 February is causing a problem.
As I indicated to the House on Friday, 26 February, the audio typists' dispute has been referred to a mediator under the Civil Service conciliation and arbitration scheme. A number of meetings have taken place and discussions are ongoing. I hope the opportunity for further negotiations will facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter. I am keeping a very close watch on the proceedings and am anxious that it be resolved quite quickly and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
What steps are being taken to deal with the backlog which is causing a problem at the moment?
I shall have to look into that, Deputy. I know that every effort is being made to deal with the publication of the debates and so on. We are a little behind time obviously.
I have every confidence in your handling of the case.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Yesterday the Minister for Health said that essential services will be protected in view of the strike in the Eastern Health Board area. Is the Minister aware that already patients are unable to get X-rays? Will the Minister make a statement here about what he will do to ensure that essential services are maintained and on how he will encourage the settlement of the strike?
The matter to which the Deputy refers is not in order now.
It is very important for the patients.
I put a Private Notice Question down about the same matter as well. I would ask the Minister for an assurance that all supplementary welfare——
Members should not seek to obstruct the Chair in its rulings in the matter.
Do we have to put down another question? People who are depending on allowances will not get them this week.
Deputy John Bruton on the Order of Business. Let us not waste time.
Under the heading of promised legislation, the Government in its programme promised the establishment of a judicial commission to look at the overall management of the courts system. In view of concern that has been expressed, can the Government give an indication as to when this legislation will be introduced so that Members in this House will be able to have an overview of the provision for the courts system and of the sentencing policy? It is on page 41.
Courts legislation is being prepared at the moment and will be brought forward as soon as possible.
The legislation may not be what the Deputy is referring to.
I am referring to page 41 of the bible.
That legislation is not promised in the House. I am giving an answer on legislation that is promised.
It will be one way or the other by tomorrow, because I have a question down about it.