It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 3, 2, 5 and 11. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: 1. In the event of the motion for either or both of the by-elections for Mayo West and Dublin South Central being moved, the following arrangements shall apply: (i) both motions shall be debated together; (ii) speeches, which shall be confined to a spokesperson for the Technical Group, Fine Gael, the Progressive Democrats and the Government, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; and (iii) the questions necessary to bring the debate to a conclusion shall be put successively at the end of the debate. 2. Nos. 1 and 3 shall be decided without debate. 3. The debate on No. 2 shall not exceed two hours and 15 minutes and the following provisions shall apply in relation to the debate: (i) the speeches of the Minister and the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the Technical Group shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; (ii) the speech of each other Member called on shall not exceed ten minutes; (iii) the Minister or Minister of State shall be called on to reply not less than ten minutes before the debate is due to conclude. 4. The proceedings on No. 5 if not previously concluded shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 6.45 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the debate: (i) the opening speech of the Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the Technical Group shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; (ii) the speech of each other Member called on shall not exceed ten minutes. 5. In the case of the resumed debate on No. 11, the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes. 6. Private Members' Business shall be No. 14 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. today.
Order of Business.
May I ask if the proposals for the issue of the writs for the Mayo West and Dublin South Central by-elections are agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 2 satisfactory? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 5 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for the resumption of No. 11, the budget debate, agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that Private Members' Business shall conclude at 8.30 p.m.? Agreed.
Is it agreed that No. 2 shall be taken without debate?
Is it agreed that Nos. 1 and 3 shall be decided without debate? Agreed.
In view of the fact that many people applying for mortgages are being forced to pay extra because of secret commission being paid to building societies in respect of the insurance that must be taken out in order to get a mortgage, may I ask the Taoiseach when the legislation promised last year to govern the activities of financial intermediaries, which would presumably regulate this type of secret transaction, will be introduced in this House?
Legislation governing intermediaries related to insurance companies' investment funds and not to building societies, as I am sure the Deputy is well aware.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the problem——
I hope this does not lead to an argument at this stage. The matter can be clarified by other ways and means.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the problem in this case relates to commission paid by insurance companies to an agent, namely, a building society, and that this is adding to the cost of a mortgage? Does the Taoiseach take the view, as I do, that such payments should be regulated and transparent and that there should not be a suggestion of secret payments capable of being made to individuals?
This matter does not arise on the Order of Business. There are many other legitimate ways of dealing with it.
Does the Government intend to put down amendments to items Nos. 9 and 10 which, I understand, will be moved shortly? If it does not put down amendments and the motions are defeated, similar motions cannot be moved by anybody in the House for six months.
That is not true.
That does not seem to be correct, Deputy.
Is it not the case that if a motion is defeated in the House it cannot be moved again for six months?
It may not be moved by the same person; it may be moved by someone else.
I gather that it does not apply to by-elections.
Is that not a happy thought for the people of Mayo West and Dublin South-Central?
Deputy Pat Rabbitte is offering.
I seek your advice, Sir, on whether a Private Notice Question would be accepted in respect of the tens of thousands of home owners who are being ripped off by fat cats who are being bankrolled——
Please, Deputy.
——by building societies to an extent which cannot be tolerated by this House.
The Deputy is seeking to circumvent a ruling of the Chair.
If I put down a Private Notice Question to the Minister for Finance, will it be in order?
I will consider all such matters, but I promise nothing to the Deputy.
Later today we will pass the motion setting up the Foreign Affairs Committee. In view of the fact that most of the members of the European Community appear to be suffering from political paralysis while yet again genocide is taking place in the centre of Europe, may I ask the Taoiseach to ensure, following today's motion, that the Foreign Affairs Committee, which is welcomed by all sides of the House, will meet as a matter of urgency to discuss what is happening in Bosnia?
Is the Deputy not anticipating the debate on these matters?
I am asking for an indication as to when the first meeting of this committee will take place. I think that is a reasonable request.
It is a matter for the debate.
If the Deputy wishes, it can take place tonight.
Are the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health aware that following a serious operation on a patient in a hospital in the Western Health Board area part of the ceiling in the operating theatre collapsed? What kind of service is being provided when incidents like this can happen?
I want to assist the Deputy in raising that important matter but it is not in order now.
Can the Minister tell the House why this happened?
I said I want to assist the Deputy is raising the matter in proper form; it is not in order now.
This would not happen in the Tánaiste's office. There is no danger of part of the ceiling in his office falling down.
The Government has promised to introduce legislation to implement the report of the Law Reform Commission on dishonesty, fraud and, in particular, white collar crime. May I ask the Taoiseach when this legislation will be introduced?
I will communicate with the Deputy during the day.
With regard to proposed legislation, a spate of scandals has been highlighted during the past weeks and months——
Please, Deputy.
I am referring to proposed legislation, the rip-offs in building societies, the Greencore scandal and the revelations at the Beef Tribunal.
Let us have some respect for the Order of Business at this time.
There has also been a ripoff by the Government in terms of the use of the Structural Funds for everyday purposes. May I ask the Taoiseach——
The Deputy must resume his seat.
——if he would consider changing the emblem on our coinage from a harp to a fiddle, which would be more appropriate at this time?