Vol. 455 No. 4
It is proposed to take Nos. 11, 7, 2 and 9.
It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) The Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and Business shall be interrupted not later than 10.30 p.m.; (2) No. 7 shall be decided without debate; and (3) the proceedings on the Second Stage of No. 2, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7.00 p.m.
Private Members' Business shall be No. 23.
There are three questions to be put to the House. Is the proposal that the House sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that No. 7 shall be decided without debate? Agreed. Is the proposal that the proceedings of the Second Stage of No. 2 be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. satisfactory and agreed? Agreed.
In relation to the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Bill and in the light of the decision by the British Authorities re Clegg, will the Taoiseach agree that it is imperative to have reciprocal movement on all fronts regarding prisoners so that justice can apply equally to all?
I need hardly tell the House that this is the subject matter of Private Members' Business this evening. The motion deals primarily with the question of prisoners.
We are an inspired group of people on this side of the House but we put down this motion on Friday morning before we knew anything about the decision re Clegg. Based on legislation which is before the House, will the Taoiseach agree that it is imperative to have reciprocal arrangements and movement on all fronts regarding prisoners so that equal status can apply?
I must again assert the view, since a very comprehensive motion is before the House, that members will have ample opportunity of giving vent to their feelings on this motion later this evening and tomorrow or whenever it arises again.
On this side of the House we have been asked to deal with a number of Bills and reports in committees of the House to the end of July and through September. We are quite happy to do that and it is a development I support. Will the Taoiseach confirm, if not now before the vote on this matter on Friday morning, that Deputies will have the facility to put down written questions during the two months of July and September? That is the only means by which we can properly deal with legislation, committees and reports during July and September.
I am not sure if this matter is in order now.
On a point of order, this matter was raised only indirectly with me before coming in for the Order of Business. I suggest, therefore, that the matter would be more appropriately dealt with by the Whips.
Provided we have a report back. It is not a matter for the Whips to decide how our spokespersons deal with legislation during the next two months. I have always supported the concept that the House should meet during July and September but this cannot be done properly unless Members are allowed to table parliamentary questions for written reply during that period.
That is primarily a matter for the Whips.
We should be realistic and accept that it will not be done before the recess. The Deputy is advocating a major parliamentary change.
It is not.
His party never advocated this change when it was in a position to answer questions. I am willing to examine the matter in depth but not in the next week.
That is parliamentary accountability.
It is a matter of asking the right question.
In light of the decision of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to release an individual who served 18 months of a three year sentence, does the Taoiseach intend to initiate any legislative measure to provide for minimum sentences in cases involving aggravated assault?
Does the Deputy have a specific measure in mind?
Do the Minister for Justice and the Taoiseach have any specific measure in mind?
