Will the Taoiseach indicate when the government of universities Bill will be brought before the House? Will he indicate also whether the Minister for Education is prepared to come before the House today to clarify the position regarding the thousands of students who will be told to stay at home tomorrow and Friday?
Order of Business (Resumed).
The first matter the Deputy referred to is in order. What he is referring to now is not in order. The Taoiseach may reply to the question concerning the Bill.
The matter should be debated in the House.
The Bill to which the Deputy refers will be ready either in December or January of next year.
In relation to Deputy Bertie Ahern's question, the Department of Finance has now apparently agreed that there has not been any breach of the relevant guidelines, yet 25 accountants are trawling——
I have ruled on that matter. The Deputy may not continue to refer to it.
What are those accountants doing? Who is paying them?
They are looking for skeletons.
The taxpayer is paying for these 25 accountants.
The Deputy may not continue to refer to the matter.
Why are they paying for them? What is going on? They are trying to find dirt to save Minister Lowry's reputation.
I understand they could not find skeletons so they are now looking for cupboards.
With reference to Deputy Bertie Ahern's earlier remarks regarding the decision of the European Court of Justice, and in view of the profound depth of this decision, will the Taoiseach ensure that a copy of the decision is made available to all Members of this House?
The distribution of such a document, which is not a Government document, would not be the primary responsibility of the Government. I will, however, ask that the services of the Government be used to obtain copies for the Oireachtas Library where they hopefully will be available.
Today?
As soon as possible. I will not give any indication as to when the documentation will be available. The Government does not have a direct responsibility in regard to the circulation of this document. It is not a Government document.
A Cheann Comhairle, as Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges I ask you to instigate an investigation into the serious breach of the rules of the House by Minister Lowry in his refusal to attend a meeting of the Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs.
The Deputy can raise that matter with the committee to which he refers. He can take the initiative. His party has many members on that body.
I am giving you notice on that matter and Minister Lowry's refusal to provide documents to the committee.
If and when the agenda comes before me, I will take appropriate action.
On a separate matter, may I ask the Taoiseach if the Government intends to respond to the call today from the ESRI to assist Irish companies which are now suffering greatly, and many of whom are in danger of losing jobs, because of the weakness of sterling? The ESRI has called for intervention.
The Deputy should put down a question on that matter.
Is it the Government's intention to continue to ignore Irish exporters to the UK?
A wall of silence from the Government side on this issue.