Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 3

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 9, 10, 3 and 12. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that: (1) No. 9 shall be decided without debate; (2) the proceedings on No. 10 shall be brought to a conclusion within one hour and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed ten minutes; (ii) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called on to make a speech in reply not less than five minutes before the debate is due to conclude.

The Dáil on its rising today shall adjourn until Tuesday, 22 March 1994.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal that No. 9 be decided without debate agreed to? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 10 agreed?

Mr. J. Bruton

I agree to that but before we decide on the final allocation of time will the Taoiseach agree to take a joint motion in the House — which I hope will be signed by all parties — condemning the reckless IRA attach yesterday on an international airport which put the lives of thousands of all nationalities at risk and damaged the reputation of many Irish people, including Members of this House? Does the Taoiseach agree that the House should be seen to condemn this appalling act by this organisation which seems to work outside the pale of all morality?

An Ceann Comhairle

I hesitate to deny the Deputy the right to say these things but I would prefer if these matters were dealt with in a more formal manner. I had not completed the Order of Business and I would have expected that then it could arise.

The Taoiseach

I would have no hesitation in making a short period of time available for the condemnation of any act of international terrorism such as the attack that took place at Heathrow Airport yesterday evening but I suggest to Deputy Bruton, and the other party leaders, that the Whips discuss the matter this morning. We do not need much time.

Mr. J. Bruton

I appreciate that but I am sure the House will agree we were constrained in giving notice of our intention to raise this matter by the fact that the IRA give little or no notice to the people they want to kill. We must adapt ourselves to this appalling reality.

Miss Harney

I agree with Deputy Bruton and the Taoiseach. I do not think the IRA would receive any support in this House for what they sought to do; one is frightened to think of what might have happened. As Deputy De Rossa suggested yesterday, what we need is a wider debate on Northern Ireland. It is time the Government moved forward with the constitutional process because while there is a vacuum groups such as the IRA who are intent on continuing the violence are given succour.

An Ceann Comhairle

In discussing the first matter perhaps the Whips will look at the matter referred to by the Deputy.

Proinsias De Rossa

It may be that the Taoiseach did not expect that he would have to deal with this issue this morning but I find it odd that he couched his condemnation in the context of international terrorism; what we should be conemning specifically is IRA terrorism, a specific vicious atack.

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us not embark on speech-making, Deputy.

Proinsias De Rossa

It is time the Government decided it can no longer stand by while the IRA talk peace and wage war.

An Ceann Comhairle

This is uncalled for at this time and the Deputy knows it is not in order. The House will have an opportunity of expressing a view later.

Proinsias De Rossa

It is time the Government recognised that the current strategy is failing and it should get on with the business of encouraging the democratic parties to take part in the talks.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy must desist.

The Taoiseach

Day after day in this House Deputy De Rossa tries to mis-represent——

Proinsias De Rossa

The Taoiseach has finally got on his feet.

The Taoiseach

——the position as to where the Government stands on acts of violence.

Proinsias De Rossa

Specifically IRA violence.

The Taoiseach

Time and again we have made it abundantly clear where we stand on the issue. No words from the Deputy will lead us to change, twist or turn what we say about it.

Mr. M. McDowell

The Taoiseach should do something about it.

The Taoiseach

We are not being dictated to by any violent organisation either here or elsewhere. We will continue to conduct our business in a political manner and we will not allow the Deputy to misrepresent the position.

Proinsias De Rossa

It is not good enough for the Taoiseach to declare that he is opposed to international terrorism; the House has to declare that it is opposed to IRA terrorism.

An Ceann Comhairle

The matter the Deputy refers to is not in order.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Andrews)

We are opposed to IRA terrorism; how many times do we have to say this? Until we are black in the face?

An Ceann Comhairle

I omitted to put the last matter on the Order of Business to the House and I will do so now. Is it agreed that the House shall reconvene on 22 March?

Mr. J. Bruton

The Extradition (Amendment) Bill has been passed in this House and is now with the Seanad. If amendments are made in the Seanad this House would be required to sit again. In the light of what happened yesterday we do not wish to find ourselves in a situation where the people who perpetrated the Heathrow Airport incident could seek refuge here. Is it likely that it will be necessary for the House to sit next week to deal with any amendments made in the Seanad so that the Extradition (Amendment) Bill can become law next week, not in two or three weeks time?

The Taoiseach

I will not anticipate if changes will be made in the Seanad. The Deputy is aware that we are not delaying the passage of the Extradition (Amendment) Bill and we have no intention of doing so.

Mr. J. Bruton

The Taoiseach must know——

An Ceann Comhairle

This must not lead to argument or debate.

Mr. J. Bruton

——if the Minister is contemplating moving amendments in the Seanad.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Bruton, I am on my feet dealing with the Order of Business. I will not allow the Order of Business to be turned into debating time or a mini Question Time.

Mr. J. Bruton

The Taoiseach must know that the Minister is contemplating moving amendments in the Seanad and that this will affect the timetable.

An Ceann Comhairle

This is leading to argument.

Mr. J. Bruton

We need to be able to sit to receive those amendments so that that law can come into effect quickly and there can be no escape for those who commit Heathrow-type bombings.

The Taoiseach

This Bill is not scheduled to be taken in the Seanad until 24 March. What the Deputy is seeking is unnecessary.

Mr. G. Mitchell

Why is it?

Mr. J. Bruton

Why not bring the debate forward? We have been waiting long enough for it and the Heathrow bombers should not find refuge here.

Mr. Allen

It is not a joke.

Mrs. Owen

It is serious.

Miss Harney

I am happy with the proposal that the House reconvene on Tuesday, 22 March to facilitate the Taoiseach and other Ministers who wish to be abroad for St. Patrick's Day. I wish the Taoiseach well on his visit to the United States and I hope he will take the opportunity to undo some of the damage caused to Ireland and nationalism by Mr. Adams during his visit there some time ago and to broadcast the correct message because I have no doubt that Mr. Adams will not condemn the atrocity which took place last evening.

Mr. Davern

Is Dessie going to Cheltenham?

Miss Harney

Such remarks on a morning like this from Deputy Davern are out of order.

Mr. J. Bruton

He will be going at his own expense; he will not need the assistance of the State to get there.

Mr. Harte

I do not think any Member would accuse the Taoiseach of being soft on IRA violence but is his judgment in waiting for the IRA to hand up their guns not a little faulty? It is not as good as I would like it to be.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy's remarks are not in order.

Mr. Harte

I do not question his intentions and I wish him well.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for the adjournment of the House agreed? Agreed.