Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 3

Order of Business.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

It is proposed to take items Nos. 3 and 9 and, subject to the agreement of No. 9, the Report and Final Stages of the Social Welfare Bill, 1995, and items Nos. 10 and 11.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) — Nos. 3 and 9 shall be decided without debate; (2), subject to the agreement of No. 9, the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of the Social Welfare Bill, 1995, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 6.45 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Social Welfare and (3), Private Members' Business shall be No. 16 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal that items Nos. 3 and 9 be decided without debate satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with the Social Welfare Bill agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with Private Members' Business this evening satisfactory and agreed? Agreed.

Mr. B. Ahern

I have two questions to put to the Tánaiste on legislation. I understand he is chairing meetings between Fine Gael and Democratic Left on amendments to the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962. Can he tell the House whether it is likely he will resolve the major difficulties within Government between the Minister for Social Welfare and other Ministers?

An Ceann Comhairle

As this is not Question Time the Deputy's observations are not in order now, he must be fully aware of that.

Mr. B. Ahern

Since this morning's papers are full of reports about a meeting on the sanitary services legislation, will the Tánaiste say when that Bill will be published?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is continuing to raise a matter not appropriate at this time.

Mr. B. Ahern

Since we are agreeing that the First Stage of the Finance Bill, 1995 be moved this morning can the Tánaiste inform us when that Bill will be published?

Mr. Spring

The Finance Bill, 1995 will be published on 12 April. On promised amendment of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962, I am sure the Deputy will be glad to know that any difficulties have been resolved and we will move ahead to publish the relevant legislation as soon as possible.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Martin

Are these service charges being abolished?

Miss Harney

While thanking the Tánaiste for having been so informative about proposed legislation in this area, I am sure householders would like to know whether they should pay their water rates and the sooner they are told the better.

Mrs. O'Rourke

Those who pay will get a rebate.

Miss Harney

Since some six weeks ago we were promised by the Minister for Justice the Finlay report would be published within three weeks, would the Tánaiste inform the House whether the Government has received that report on the Lansdowne Road incident and when they intend to publish its contents?

Mr. Spring

I do not have the information available. I will certainly communicate with the Deputy when I receive it.

Mr. S. Brennan

Will the Government allow a debate on public spending in view of the fact that already it exceeds budgetary targets?

Mr. Spring

No.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a matter for Question Time.

Mr. Rabbitte

Stick to the ESB schedule.

Mr. Flood

Will the Tánaiste say whether it is intended to allow time in this House for a debate on the interim progress report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community published in January 1994?

An Ceann Comhairle

That would be a matter for the Whips.

Miss Quill

Following on the very welcome decision of the Government to abandon proposals for the Mullaghmore interpretative centre, will the Tánaiste inform the House when the Government will bring forward proposals for the relocation of that centre?

An Ceann Comhairle

I must remind the House that this is not Question Time. I have no intention of permitting the Order of Business to be turned into a mini question time.

Mr. D. Ahern

On promised legislation when will the domestic violence Bill, whose provisions will extend barring orders, be published?

Mr. Spring

I understand that legislation will be published shortly.

Mr. D. Ahern

Which session?

Mr. O'Dea

Will the Tánaiste inform us when we can expect the legislation promised by Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, as reported in The Irish Times this morning, to review the law on examinership, to help bankers even more?

An Ceann Comhairle

Is this promised legislation?

Mrs. O'Rourke

It was only promised by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment, Deputy Rabbitte.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am proceeding to the business as ordered.