Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 11, 8, 14, 5, and 15.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that: (1) No. 11 shall be decided without debate. (2) The debate on No. 8 shall not exceed 60 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) The speech of the Minister and of the main spokesperson for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the Technical Group shall not exceed 10 minutes in each case; (ii) The speech of each other member called upon shall not exceed 5 minutes; and (iii) The Minister shall be called upon to make a speech in reply, not less than 10 minutes before the debate is due to conclude. (3) Private Members' Business shall be No. 18 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. tonight.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal that No. 11 shall be decided without debate satisfactory and agreed?

Mr. J. Bruton

Before agreeing to it — and we will agree — will the Taoiseach ensure that the legislation to provide for compellability and privilege of witnesses appearing before this and other committees is brought forward quickly? The committees have been functioning for a full year without the benefit of this legislation and it is frustrating to them that legislation has not been produced.

The Taoiseach

The work on this legislation is nearing completion. Deputy Bruton may be aware that the Minister for Finance is endeavouring to have discussions with the Opposition with a view to bringing the matter to a conclusion and having the Bill published as early as possible.

Mr. J. Bruton

I am aware of the consultations and they are fruitful. The Government will have the fullest cooperation of the Opposition in bringing this forward quickly but I urge speed.

The Taoiseach

The Deputy will have it.

An Ceann Comhairle

I take it the proposal that No. 11 shall be decided without debate is agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 8 satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal that Private Members' Business, No. 18, and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. satisfactory and agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

That is a very awkward time.

An Ceann Comhairle

If we get the right result it will not matter.

Mr. J. Bruton

I join you in hoping for the best result this evening. Will the Taoiseach state if the Minister for Finance will bring forward legislation soon to provide for the promise that the income levy of 1 per cent would be temporary and introduce a transparent public statutory timeframe for its removal in legislation?

The Taoiseach

There is no legislation promised in this area.

Mr. J. Bruton

There is no promise then to phase out the 1 per cent levy?

The Taoiseach

There is no legislation promised in this area.

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us not debate it now.

Proinsias De Rossa

I wish to raise a matter which relates to the Order of Business which may be brought forward tomorrow. Perhaps you would allow me to explain it briefly. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions' Northern committee will have a community day for peace tomorrow. The ICTU, IBEC and CIF have urged that people in the Republic should observe a minute's silence at 1 p.m. Will the Taoiseach agree, when ordering the business tomorrow, that there is provision for convening Members tomorrow at 1 p.m. to observe that one minute's silence?

The Taoiseach

Arrangements are already in train for the matter raised by Deputy De Rossa. I urge all Members of the House to be here, if possible, at 1 p.m. tomorrow to join in that minute of silence.

An Ceann Comhairle

Can we proceed then to the Order of the House?

Mr. E. Kenny

Will the Taoiseach comment on whether it is true that the most important element of what is contained in the portfolio of the Commissioner for Social Afairs, namely, employment, is not now being given to him and that, in fact, he has been sidelined?

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will have to find another way of raising that matter.

A Deputy

Deputy Enda Kenny has natural concerns.

Mr. J. Bruton

There is no truth in the rumour that he is now beginning to reenter the earth's atmosphere.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

He may have a return ticket to Mayo.

The Taoiseach

The concern of Mayo men for Mayo men.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am sure Deputy Enda Kenny will find another way of raising that matter.

Mr. Harte

Will the Taoiseach, any member of the Government or the Minister for Sport be attending the match between the two Irelands in Belfast this evening?

The Taoiseach

Yes.

A Deputy

There is only one Ireland.

Mr. Harte

Will the Taoiseach be attending?

The Taoiseach

No.