It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 6, 7 and 2.
Order of Business.
I am sure it is in order on this occasion to congratulate the Northern Ireland soccer team on its fine result and to pass on commiserations to our team. I cannot help but think that we saw clearly last night in a manifest way what North-South co-operation can do, it would be better than any tomes or fine studies.
Imagine what a single team could do.
I raised with the Taoiseach the other day the proposed appearance of the DPP on a live radio programme and how irrelevant this House is becoming. This morning I read in a newspaper that the Taoiseach had received a letter from the British Prime Minister. When I sought information here yesterday on the response from the British Government the Taoiseach did not give me that information. If the Taoiseach and the Government withhold essential information from the House and brief the media on it, they will further undermine the House, their authority and the role of Deputies. I ask the Taoiseach for an explanation as to why I was not given the information I sought during Question Time yesterday.
I am most anxious to assist the Deputy in eliciting information——
The Deputy did not ask the right question.
I did.
——but this is not the time. I am sure Deputy Harney will find a more appropriate way and time to deal with this matter.
The Taoiseach promised that his Government would be as transparent as a pane of glass.
It is stained.
The Deputy is casting reflections on my credibility. If I had been aware of that letter——
What letter?
——I would have disclosed that fact to the House.
It arrived the day before.
The Taoiseach is getting slow.
I was not aware of it when I answered questions in the House, hence I did not disclose it. I hope the Deputies will appreciate that I tell the truth to the House. I share the concerns expressed by the Deputy in regard to the proposed appearance of the DPP. I believe it is important that at the very minimum the House should not be treated in a less informative way than any other institution. It is a matter I am considering at this stage, I understand Deputy Harney tabled Dáil Questions for next week and I hope to be able to answer them reasonably fully.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Deputy Harney, the matter you raised was not relevant to the Order of Business. The Deputy has had some latitude on the matter and I am not prepared to see it go any further now.
I fully accept what the Taoiseach said about not being aware of the letter——
Deputy Harney must desist forthwith from any further reference to this matter.
——and that is why he did not tell me about it.
That should be sufficient.
I saw the letter shortly after Question Time. If I had been aware of its existence at the time I was answering questions, I would have made that knowledge available to the House.
I want the House to picture a letter arriving from the British Prime Minister to the Taoiseach and the Taoiseach not being given the letter as a matter of priority by his staff. I accept that he did not see it, but it is incredible that the Taoiseach was not immediately given a letter from the British Prime Minister on the issue of the peace proces. It says something about the running of the Taoiseach's office and this Government.
(Interruptions.)
We cannot have a debate on the matter now. It must be pursued at another time.
Are the Deputies opposite disappointed that we are making progress?
Did Deputy Rabbitte see the letter?
This matter is relevant to the country.
I heard what the Taoiseach said about his unhappiness at the proposed appearance of the DPP on Marian Finucane's radio show. Will he amend the Compellability, Privileges and Immunities of Witnesses Bill as proposed by his Government to ensure that the DPP is not excluded from the deliberations of committees on this House? May I refer to another matter——
The Deputy has raised a matter appertaining to legislation, let us have a reply on it. Is it ordered for today?
"Is there anyone there?" said the traveller.
I expect the Taoiseach will say that is a matter to be discussed when the Bill comes before the House next week. The Taoiseach already indicated to the House that he is unhappy the DPP will be appearing on the Marian Finucane radio show. We can take that as read. Perhaps then his Government will allow the DPP to come before a committee.
On a point of order, the Deputy should not put any gloss of his own on what I have said in answer to Deputy Harney. The words I spoke in answer to Deputy Harney should be quoted as they were spoken without any interpretation from Deputy Ahern or any other Member.
Will he appear on the Marian Finucane programme?
That is a matter for him.
Let us have a precise question on matters appertaining to the Order of Business in respect of legislation promised.
In respect of the Order of this House in the coming week or so, given that there are budgetary difficulties in the US and President Clinton has cancelled a visit to Japan will the Taoiseach give the current update on arrangements for President Clinton's visit? He will address this House——
These are very important matters and should be dealt with in an appropriate manner. They are not relevant to the Order of Business.
Perhaps, a Cheann Comhairle——
I am on my feet, resume your seat Deputy.
Does the Government intend to bring forward legislation to restrict and control the availability of firearms in view of the fact that people are being gunned down on the streets?
Is legislation promised in this area?
My understanding is that the legislation on the availability of firearms is among the most rigorous and exacting in Europe. The problems that may exist in regard to firearms exist because people are breaking that law. Obviously what we need is enforcement of firearms legislation and the passing of all necessary information about the existence of illicitly held firearms to the appropriate authorities, namely, the Garda Síochána. We also need to ensure that we do not have significant amounts of illegally held firearms in our jurisdiction.
On 14 February the Government promised that the defamation Bill would be taken in nine months, i.e. 14 November. Today is 16 November and I wonder whether the Government has problems about matters concerning defamation and why the Bill is not before the House? When is it intended to bring the Bill before the House?
I understand that is being discussed by the Whips.
I will not allow the Order of Business to be turned into a mini question time as I have so often said. I am determined on that matter.
When is it intended to nominate a replacement for Senator Gordon Wilson? Recently we have lost three members of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, one of whom was the late Senator Gordon Wilson.
The Deputy could properly frame that in the form of a parliamentary question when it would be answered.
In a reply I received on 14 November from the Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Proinsias De Rossa, he promised legislation on exempting the money received under the REPS scheme from assessment for unemployment assistance. When is it proposed to introduce this legislation and will it be brought before the House in this session as small farmers cannot benefit from the scheme until this legislation is introduced?
Has legislation been promised in this area?
My understanding is that the Minister for Social Welfare did not make a promise of the kind to which the Deputy has referred. Obviously all matters affecting social welfare entitlements can be dealt with annually during the discussion on the Social Welfare Bill which is presented each year.
A Deputy
It will be too late then.
On a point of information——
Not now Deputy.
The necessary legislative changes will be made as soon as discussions between the relevant Departments are concluded. That is a quote from the Minister. It is not correct for the Taoiseach to say that the legislation is not promised.
A Deputy
Do not renege on your commitment.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Ó Cuív should be honest, for once in his life.
In regard to the full implementation of the programme A Government of Renewal this morning we heard some further disturbing comments from the trade union leadership that social partnership was coming to an end. What is the Taoiseach doing to ensure that social partnership continues and that there will be a follow-up agreement to the Programme for Competitiveness and Work?
It does not arise now.
That matter was dealt with extensively at Question Time yesterday.
The Minister for Social Welfare made a remark about my integrity. I would ask you to——
There was no reflection on the Deputy's integrity. I am calling Deputy Joe Walsh.
Who is Deputy De Rossa to talk about honesty?
On a point of order, I clearly heard the Minister for Social Welfare say to Deputy Ó Cuív: be honest for once in your life. That is a very serious reflection on Deputy Ó Cuív and he should withdraw it.
(Interruptions.)
I will repeat it.
Deputies
Withdraw the remark.
Quite frankly I did not hear the remark. If the remark was made I am sure it will be withdrawn.
Deputies
Withdraw it.
In deference to the honour of this House, the Minister for Social Welfare has said that he will repeat the remark. He clearly said the Deputy should be honest for once in his life. He said in cross questioning that he would repeat it. You have asked him to withdraw it. There has never been an occasion when the Ceann Comhairle made such a request when it was not acceded to by a Member. I ask the Minister to withdraw forthwith that remark about Deputy Ó Cuív.
Let us make progress this morning. If the remark was made on the lines indicated it should be withdrawn.
A Deputy
Be a man.
Deputy Ó Cuív is a gentle soul and if he feels offended by what I said then I apologise for it.
That is an apology.
That is a disgrace, a Cheann Comhairle. You are not protecting Members.
That is a reflection of the integrity of our Members.
After that lecture on dishonesty from the Minister for Social Welfare we will check his own integrity.
Will the Deputy apologise for that now?
On 19 February 1995, the Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Proinsias De Rossa, revealed for the first time his plans for a new lone parent's allowance in a Social Welfare (No. 3) Bill. Where is that Bill?
Was that in the Skibbereen Eagle?
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy has inquired about a certain measure. What is the position about that Bill?
(Interruptions.)
Is it possible since 19 February to have an answer to this question? A meeting took place on the Sunday night, a press release was issued on 19 February and on 16 November the Taoiseach is looking for——
It is promised legislation; it is on the list.
It will be published later this year.
Will the Taoiseach indicate the up to date position in regard to the Education Bill?
I expect the Education Bill concerning the boards of management and regional education boards to be published approximately in the month of April.
Regarding forthcoming legislation on transparency and accountability, the Taoiseach will be interested in the 1995 world competitiveness report, which states that Ireland has slipped drastically in the transparency league.
That is very interesting.
It is stated on page 49.
Where is the Deputy getting this rubbish?
It does not seem likely night time reading.
What about the pane of glass?
There have been substantiated reports of surveillance of a Member of the House. What are the Government's intentions in this regard? It is a matter of great importance.
I intend to proceed with the business of the House.
Video cameras are not illegal.
The Deputy should be very careful.
Deputies should not attempt to shout down the Chair.