It is proposed to take No. 5 at 3.50 p.m. and to take statements on the incidents surrounding the Ireland versus England soccer match last night. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the following arrangements shall apply in regard to statements: (1) the statement by the Minister for Justice, the main spokesperson for the Fianna Fáil Party and the Progressive Democrats Party shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; (2) the statement by each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; (3) Members at (1) and (2) above may share time; and (4) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon not later than 4.40 p.m. to make a statement in reply.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for dealing with statements satisfactory? Agreed.
I thank the Taoiseach for making Government time available to deal with this matter today. Will he give the House some preliminary details of the matters the Government envisages the inquiry dealing with? Does he agree that questions have to be answered, if for no other reason than to learn lessons for the future? Does he further agree that the behaviour of the Irish supporters and the vast majority of the English supporters was exemplary?
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Arrangements have now been made for statements on this subject and it should not give rise to questions and answers now.
I agree with Deputy Bertie Ahern and I am delighted the Government is making time available this afternoon to deal with this matter. It is important to keep it in perspective. Sad and all as the events were last night, it should not taint all English sports fans. We are talking about a small group of people.
We should not anticipate the statements that will be made later this evening.
The Deputy will get a red card.
Less than a month ago 11,000 English rugby fans were here and there was no trouble at Lansdowne Road.
We should arrange for double debates on matters of this kind.
May I ask the Taoiseach?
Deputy Harney may not persist in adverting to a matter when arrangements have been made to deal with it. We must wait until 4 p.m.
When will the Harbours Bill be brought before the House, particularly in the light of its huge commercial benefit?
I will check the record and get in touch with the Deputy.
Is it intended to leave that Bill as it was when the previous Government brought it forward?
The answer I gave to Deputy Callely applies to that question also.
Is the Minister for Enterprise and Employment aware that 100 jobs are at risk in the Sunbeam factory in my constituency and will he take whatever action is open to him to find a resolution to this problem?
The Deputy knows how to proceed with this important matter and my office will be of assistance to her if necessary.
Will the Taoiseach allow time to discuss the very important matter of the threatened loss of 100 jobs at the Sunbeam factory in Cork?
It is not in order now. I appreciate the importance of such matters but let us deal with it in the appropriate manner.
Will the Taoiseach give an assurance that the Minister for Enterprise and Employment will give the kind of commitment given to Packard——
Deputy Wallace must desist. He knows how to proceed and how to raise important matters properly.
Can we have an assurance that the jobs in Cork will not be lost?
I called Deputy de Valera.
Will the Taoiseach answer?
When will the cultural institution Bill be published?
The Bill is at an early stage of preparation.
A very early stage.
To save on postal charges I can tell Deputies Ahern and Callely the Harbours Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation.
How does the Taoiseach propose to deal with the special difficulties raised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland regarding changes in covenanting?
That matter can be dealt with on the Finance Bill, in so far as it can be dealt with. Members can put forward their views in the debate due to commence shortly.
I thank the Taoiseach. Our spokesperson will put forward proposals to try to alleviate hardship which may occur resulting from the changes in the budget.
I am informed by the Minister for Finance that he will meet the Alzheimer Society of Ireland about this matter. We all support the important work done by this society and are conscious of the difficult role played by the relatives of Alzheimer sufferers.
As regards the abolition of covenants, on the night the budget was introduced the Taoiseach promised to give a statistical analysis of the exact revenue yield particularly as it relates to education. I am still awaiting that.
That is not promised legislation.
It is in the Finance Bill. People are confused by answers given prior to budget day and the answer given by the Minister for Education on budget day. Different figures were given.
I am not clear about what the Deputy is adverting to.
The Taoiseach knows.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland anxiously await the introduction of the power of attorney Bill. It was well advanced during the term of the last Government. When is it due to be brought forward?
It is hoped it will be possible to bring forward the Bill in this session.
In the circular of promised legislation and in the programme for Government there is no legislation for people with disability. Will the Taoiseach comment on what he has in mind? He stated that a number of areas were not covered in the list of promised legislation.Will he outline what is likely to be introduced in the House?
The Deputy should put down a question in respect of these matters.
It is on promised legislation.Perhaps the Taoiseach might like to comment. It is a serious matter.
When does the Taoiseach intend to amend the Arterial Drainage Act in view of the fact that amending legislation is not included on the list published last week?
I dealt with that matter yesterday.
When is it intended to introduce legislation to extend barring orders?
It is hoped that the domestic violence Bill which deals with that matter will be introduced in this session.