It is proposed to take Nos. 8, 10, 11, 12, 1 and 3. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that (1) the proceedings on No. 8 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 and (ii) the Minister for Finance shall be called on not less than five minutes before the debate is due to conclude to make a speech in reply; (2) the proceedings on the resumed Second Stage of No. 10 shall be brought to a conclusion within one hour; (3) the proceedings on the resumed Second Stage of No. 11, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 6.45 p.m.; (4) Private Members' Business shall be No. 16 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for dealing with No. 8 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 10 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 11 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal that Private Members' Business concludes at 8.30 agreed? Agreed.
I congratulate all involved in bringing the World Equestrian Championships to Ireland in 1998. We look forward to being in a position to hand out the trophies.
Wishful thinking.
The party opposite will have to be able to clear the hurdles.
The Minister has already knocked a great many hurdles and is at the stage of being eliminated.
Hope springs eternal.
The Taoiseach indicated yesterday that the Ethics Bill would be published during the Easter recess although previously it was promised it would be published before the Easter recess. Has this Bill been agreed at Cabinet? In view of the fact that the Taoiseach called on his backbenchers to show restraint when talking about the Coalition——
That would be very difficult.
—— is this proof that he recognises it is very difficult for them to talk about their Coalition partners in glowing terms? Will the Ethics Bill be published before Easter?
As I said yesterday it is expected that the Ethics Bill will be published during the Easter recess. My heart has been deeply moved by the real concern expressed by Deputy Owen for the welfare of the backbenchers on this side of the House but let me assure her we are in fine fettle. If the Deputy is looking forward to presenting trophies, the year 2005 might be more relevant.
I will put away the deck-chair for another few years.
I welcome the Taoiseach's change of heart about his Coalition partners and I am delighted he will ask his backbench colleagues to show respect for their Coalition partners. I welcome his change of mind about Coalition partners. We have come a long way from the "temporary little arrangement". When will the Finance Bill be published? When will the Bill to extend the boundaries and make other changes in local government be published?
The Local Government Bill will be published at the earliest possible opportunity and we expect to publish the Finance Bill during the Easter recess.
The elections will be on 9 June but this Bill will be far too late for local authority members who are confused. A great many new candidates are anxious to know about the electoral boundaries.
Is it the intention to take the Electoral Bill in tandem with the Ethics in Public Office Bill? Is the Taoiseach losing his nerve — reports in the newspapers suggest that at the Parliamentary Party meeting later today he will refrain from doing to the son what he did to the father?
The Bills will be taken in tandem. I am sure Deputy Rabbitte shares my disappointment that "In the Name of the Father" did not win an Oscar.
The Taoiseach may not be aware that events are hotting up to a considerable degree in Mayo West.
Will that be quoted in Le Monde?
When is it intended to nominate a date for the moving of writs for both by-elections?
That matter was raised recently.
I am proceeding to item No. 8 and call on the Minister for Finance to move the motion which relates to double taxation.
Another Deputy is offering.
I would like to ask the Taoiseach a question please.
I have moved on to other business.
You moved too quickly for me.
He is a gentleman.
I do not want it to be taken as a precedent that the Chair can be forced to backtrack.
Never.
We will not create any precedent.
I respect the Deputy.
Will the Taoiseach or the Minister for Health intervene to resolve the problem and protect patients at St. Francis Medical Centre, Mullingar where vital medical equipment is to be withdrawn today?
I will assist the Deputy in raising that matter in an appropriate manner if the consults my office; it is not in order now.
Will the Taoiseach take a personal interest in the matter?
It is not in order now.