Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. A1 on a Supplementary Order Paper and No. 8. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) Business shall be interrupted at 12 midnight tonight; (2) The Report and Final Stages of the Waiver of Certain Tax, Interest and Penalties Bill, 1993, shall be taken immediately after No. A1 and the proceedings thereon if not previously concluded shall be brought to a conclusion at 6.45 p.m. by one Question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall in relation to amendments include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Finance; (3) The proceedings on No. 8 if not previously concluded shall be brought to a conclusion at 12 midnight, and the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the debate; (i) the speech of each Member called upon shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; and (ii) the Tánaiste shall be called upon not later than 11.50 p.m. to make a speech in reply not exceeding ten minutes.

Private Members' Business shall be No. 20, Motion 10.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

It remains to put three proposals to the House. First, is it agreed that business be interrupted at 12 midnight tonight? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with the Waiver of Certain Tax Interest and Penalties Bill, 1993, agreed?

Miss Harney

Notwithstanding any agreement that may have been made by the Finance spokespersons — I can understand how weary and tired they are — we have not given sufficient time to this very important matter. It is a disgrace that a Bill with such fundamental repercussions for our tax system has been rushed through without adequate consultation.

The Taoiseach

I understand there is an agreement with the Whips. I would also point out to the House and to Deputy Harney that every single section of this Bill has been debated.

Miss Quill

Has every amendment been debated?

The Taoiseach

Yes.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Are the proposals for dealing with the Waiver of Certain Tax, Interest and Penalties Bill, 1993, agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Rabbitte

The matter of the title is an exception to what the Taoiseach has just said, but we will be dealing with it as the first item on Report Stage.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Finally, are the proposals for dealing with No. 8 agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach agree that it may be helpful in the national interest to provide time today for the Dáil to debate a motion affirming Ireland's entitlements on the basis of commitments given and published by him to retain no less than its present 13.5 per cent share of the EC Structural Funds which, in present money terms, is £8.8 billion and to resist any compromise by the Government which would involve accepting less than our existing share?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I am calling Deputy De Rossa.

Mr. J. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach agree that it would be useful to provide time for the Dáil to debate a motion affirming this House's negotiating position on this matter?

The Taoiseach

No, I would not accept that. As the Deputy knows the Government is in the course of negotiations and a debate would not be helpful at this stage. We are all well aware of our position. The Government is clear on the matter and I wish the Opposition parties were equally clear.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I am calling Deputy Proinsias De Rossa.

Mr. Dukes

Why has the Taoiseach been running around during the past couple of days?

Mr. Hogan

Is there a hole in the bag?

Proinsias De Rossa

Will the Taoiseach tell the House if he has instructed his officials and other departmental officials to stop preparations for the National Development Plan pending the outcome of the negotiations?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That is not a matter for discussion now.

Proinsias De Rossa

I am not asking for a discussion on the matter.

The Taoiseach

In order to allay the Deputy's fears, I want to categorically contradict that story which had no basis whatsoever. In fact, the opposite is the case.

Proinsias De Rossa

A bit like what appeared in the newspapers.

The Taoiseach

I am not responsible for what appears in the newspapers. I want to confirm that the officials in the Department of Finance were working both on Saturday and Sunday on the preparation of the National Development Plan.

Proinsias De Rossa

The Taoiseach disclaimed any responsibility for what appears in the newspapers, but he was responsible for the £8 billion rumour. Could I ask the Taoiseach a further question which is unrelated to this matter?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I take it that it relates to legislation.

Proinsias De Rossa

It relates to serious matters, that of the reported negotiations between the RUC and the UDA. Will the Taoiseach indicate his Government's stance on that serious matter in view of its implications for peace and reconciliation on this island?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That is not a matter for debate now.

Miss Harney

Has the Government decided to implement the Cahill Plan, and as the Labour Party has just had a meeting at which it was briefed on the Government's decision, could the Taoiseach provide the same briefing for Opposition Deputies in advance of the Private Members' debate this evening?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Again, that is not a matter for discussion now.

Mr. E. Kenny

The Taoiseach stated that the House is clear on the position in regard to the Structural Funds. Would he therefore re-confirm that the amount we are to get is £8.8 billion arising from the Edinburgh Summit?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

This is not Question Time, it is the Order of Business, and that matter is irrelevant at this time.

Mr. Deasy

The Taoiseach will not answer it.

Mr. J. Bruton

The Taoiseach put that money in a very porous bag.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

To avoid any misunderstanding, it would be helpful if we could have a positive assurance from the Taoiseach that there will be no settlement unless we get every last shilling of the £8.8 billion which he guaranteed we would receive following the Edinburgh Summit.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 6 Jul 1993

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Jul 1993