It is proposed to take Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1 and 10. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 shall be decided without debate. Private Members' Business shall be No. 25.
Order of Business.
Is it agreed that Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 shall be decided without debate? Agreed.
Now that some of the uncertainty surrounding the visit of the President of the United States of America has been removed will the Taoiseach give us details, particularly as they affect the House or, at least, arrange for a briefing?
That is on the agenda for tomorrow.
How is the Taoiseach's handicap?
In view of the Supreme Court's decision last Friday on the provision of public funding for referendum campaigns will the Government withdraw the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1995 because of the implications for that legislation?
I am not aware of any proposals to withdraw that legislation, but, obviously, the judgment in question will be studied.
When will the Book of Estimates be published? Traditionally, it has been published before I December.
The Book of Estimates will be published as soon as it is ready.
Does the Taoiseach have any idea as to when the Book of Estimates might be ready?
I have, but——
The Taoiseach will not tell me.
——I will only make an announcement as to the publication date when the Estimates are agreed and ready.
So they have not been agreed?
They are not agreed and ready at this point.
The divorce referendum is due to be held on Friday next. I presume the leaflet to be paid for by the taxpayer outlining both sides of the argument will not be affected by the Supreme Court's decision. When will the delivery of that leaflet to homes throughout the country be completed? There will be no point in delivering it next week. It is important that it is delivered this week. I understand that An Post personnel were to work overtime at the weekend, but that this was cancelled.
This is hardly appropriate now. Perhaps the Deputy will raise the matter at another time.
It will not be very appropriate to do so next week.
Does the Deputy need it to make up his mind?
Is the Deputy still confused?
In view of his unsatisfactory reply to Deputy Ahern's question about the Book of Estimates will the Taoiseach indicate if the three party leaders have resolved what was described in one newspaper yesterday as the "De Rossa Cash Call Crisis"?
Fifty-fifty cash back.
The Taoiseach made a promise at the beginning of last year with regard to the farmers' charter. Because personnel in local agricultural offices are working to rule they will be unable to provide the service that both he and the Minister promised. How does the Taoiseach propose to rectify this matter?
It would be more appropriate to raise that matter by way of Dáil question.
At the end of June the Taoiseach said that the employment equality Bill would be available "later this year". As we are now approaching the end of the year, will the Taoiseach indicate when it will be presented?
"Later this year" obviously means either this month or next. I hope it will be ready either this month or next.
I am sure the Taoiseach and the Government are aware that last Friday and Saturday Martin Kehoe, a Wexford man, won the world ploughing championship for the second year in succession and will defend his title in Carlow in September next year. I am aware that it is the Taoiseach's prerogative to propose a vote of congratulations, but I am asking him to do so bearing in mind that Martin Kehoe has been a great ambassador for his country on many occasions. Will the Taoiseach consider offering a tangible award on this achievement?
The knight of the plough.
I would be upset if the Deputy from the Hook was left ploughing a lonely furrow on this matter. I join with him in expressing congratulations on this achievement.