It is proposed to take Nos. 18, 19, 8 and 21.
Order of Business.
There is nothing to put to the House.
Given the reports in the British media and the letter from Patrick Mayhew in the morning papers, does the Taoiseach believe that the real obstacle to inclusive talks is the internal difficulties in the Tory Party and the lack of support for John Major? There are still some difficulties to be resolved in the peace process and I ask the Taoiseach to make a statement to the House on these issues.
Will the Deputy relate this matter to promised legislation so that we have some semblance of order?
It would be useful if the Taoiseach made a statement on these matters. Members on this side of the House are trying as far as possible to be totally supportive of the line being adopted by the Taoiseach but many different lines have been coming from Westminster and we have to respond to the various people in Northern Ireland who are interested in seeing inclusive talks get under way as quickly as possible. It would be helpful if the Taoiseach took a lead in these matters.
These matters should be raised in an orderly fashion at the appropriate time.
It is not particularly helpful to ask a Member of this House to speculate about the internal affairs of a party in another jurisdiction. The expression of views on such matters is outside the proper province of Members in this jurisdiction. However, as I repeatedly said at Question Time in reply to other questions, I pay tribute to the courage and vision of the British Prime Minister, Mr. John Major, for his input to the peace process. I have seen much evidence of his commitment to ensuring that the peace process works.
I agree with the points made by the Taoiseach about the British Prime Minister. We owe him a great deal of gratitude for the courage he has shown in regard to the peace process. I wish the Taoiseach well in his important meeting today. Will he urge Sinn Féin to use its influence with the IRA on the decommissioning of arms as a gesture to the people of Ireland, and not merely as something required by the British Government? They owe it to the people to make a move on decommissioning arms.
Will the Government introduce as a matter of urgency legislation on Sunday trading and protection for part-time workers to clarify the central issues in the Dunnes Stores dispute? Does the Taoiseach agree that the advertisements in today's newspapers by both parties clearly indicate that the dispute could be resolved if they came together?
Is legislation promised in this area?
It would be very helpful if the Taoiseach commented on this important matter.
The matter has been discussed in the House.
Given that the deadline was last Friday, will the Minister for Finance say when he expects to be in a position to announce the cuts in public expenditure? Will it be before the Wicklow by-election?
Not a chance.
(Interruptions.)
That is a question which might be tabled in the ordinary way. I call Deputy Joe Walsh.
Does the Deputy want us to spend more money?
The Government has spent quite a bit of money on glossy brochures and white papers.
The Deputy should behave himself.
It has spent £250,000 on these publications.
These young fellows get too angry.
The Minister should not be so dismissive of young people.
Deputy Martin is constantly interrupting——
With respect, I am being heckled.
It is a source of disorder, Deputy. Please allow your colleague to proceed.
Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Social Welfare to take an interest in the plight of 160 workers in the Irish Press who have been denied social welfare benefits since they were locked out a month ago——
Sorry, Deputy, this matter was discussed in the House yesterday evening.
The Government is doing a Pontius Pilate on the Irish Press.
I am again raising the matter because I got a most unsympathetic reply last night and I want the Taoiseach to take an interest in it. I have been treated very shabbily.