It is not expected that we will reach the Courts and Court Officers Bill but it looks likely the matter can be discussed again. I am sure Deputy Kenny and his party will play their part in ensuring that we do not reach it.
Order of Business (Resumed).
Will the Taoiseach ask all members of the Government to publish, on a voluntary basis, any shareholdings they have in public companies so as to avoid discoveries of the kind that occurred this weekend?
That is not relevant to the Order of Business and can be proceeded with in many other ways.
The Deputy would not qualify for the Minister of Agriculture.
Will the Taoiseach bring into immediate effect the provisions of the Ethics in Government Bill which cover the publication of shareholdings by Minister so as to avoid a repetition of the position which has arisen?
If Deputy Bruton and the parties opposite want to co-operate on Committee Stage of the Bill we have no objection to bringing it in as soon as possible.
When will the Attorney General report to the Dáil as he is obliged to do under the amendment to the 1987 Extradition Act regarding extradition proceedings to Northern Ireland? When will the first report be laid before the House?
Is that promised legislation?
It is not promised legislation but a report. I will have the matter investigated and communicate with the Deputy.
Will the Taoiseach indicate if he is considering amending Government procedures for the declaration of possible conflicts of interest in view of the controversy surrounding the Minister, Deputy Cowen's shareholdings? It is clear from what the Minister said that the guidelines are inadequate.
There is no need to elaborate now.
Given that the Taoiseach refused to accept questions at Question Time — a number of questions were directed to him and he refused to take them — will he indicate if he will consider amending the guidelines to ensure a similar situation does not arise?
We entertain legislation promised at this time. The Deputy can take his own initiative in that matter.
How can Members of the House ensure the Taoiseach answers questions when he consistently transfers them?
I wish to make it clear that item No. 26 has been withdrawn for technical reasons and will be resubmitted. The Courts and Court Officers Bill was published last Friday. Does the Taoiseach agree it is unsatisfactory to expect the Opposition to take Second Stage of this Bill on Wednesday and Thursday of this week without having a proper opportunity to vet the Bill?
We do not expect to take it. The Deputy was not listening.
The Deputy should listen. He does not know what I am saying.
I know exactly what the Deputy is saying. There is a Whips' meeting——
I am the party spokesman for Justice and I am making a point about my need to have notice of Bills before we deal with them in the House.
The Deputy should talk to the Whips.
Will the Taoiseach ensure that the undertaking given whereby we would have two weeks notice of a Bill is adhered to? It is impossible to expect Deputies to respond to Bills in this manner. This is an important matter and it should be brought to the House in this way.
I made it clear last week that we adhere to the notice for Bills published. If the Deputy has a problem in this regard he should discuss it with his Whip. The business of the House is settled at Whips' meetings and a Deputy should not come into the House and try to undermine any agreement reached between the Whips.
I will not be slapped down by a jet lagged Taoiseach.
There are no grounds for argument.
Give us notice of the legislation. The Government is rushing it through to get itself off the hook.