It is proposed to take Nos. 4 and 1. Private Members' Business shall be No. 14.
Order of Business.
Bearing in mind the encouraging peace breakthrough in Bosnia, does the Taoiseach agree it is high time that stubbornness on the part of the British authorities, which has been obstructing the Northern Ireland peace process, should give way to a more realistic, constructive approach and allow the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister to convene a summit over the next few days? If the Taoiseach agrees, would he also inform the House whether he still hopes to convene such a summit within the next few days?
While this is a very important matter, it is not one for the Order of Business. Indeed, its being of such delicacy and importance, I would much prefer it were raised at a more appropriate time.
A Cheann Comhairle, as you are aware, the Taoiseach replied to approximately a dozen parliamentary questions on Northern Ireland together yesterday, to which we did not object, that being his prerogative. However, because of that and questions in my name and that of Deputy Harney having been ruled out of order and since there are no questions on Northern Ireland tabled today, the next occasion on which such question can be taken is Tuesday next, by which time President Clinton will have landed in the United Kingdom, when there will be no opportunity for us to support and assist the Taoiseach in endeavouring to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process and convene a summit. Will the Taoiseach say whether we can look forward to a summit over the next few days and does he agree that stubborness on the part of the British is totally preventing that possibility?
If the Taoiseach wishes to intervene——
I join Deputy Bertie Ahern in seeking information. I asked the Taoiseach yesterday whether he had had a telephone conversation with the British Prime Minister, or intended to have one, when he told me it was not relevant. The Taoiseach went on to say that the manner in which he sat, how he looked and spoke was not a matter of relevance. Yet, within a matter of hours, a Government spokesperson was able to brief the media to the effect that the Taoiseach had had such a telephone conversation and would have another with the British Prime Minister today. To quote the Taoiseach's own words in the House in relation to the Director of Public Prosecutions: "It is not appropriate that this House gets less information than is given to other channels". I wish the Government spokesperson could be present in the House to answer our questions because it is wrong that the media get more information than the Taoiseach is prepared to give this House on this or any other matter.
I once again strongly register my objection to this House being insulted and Question Time being rendered a mere farce. I note there is no response, which is even worse, demonstrating how irrelevant is this House.
Members, raising matters of this kind, are placing the Chair in a very invidious position. However urgent and important, they are not relevant to the Order of Business. It is Members' prerogative to change the Order of Business if they so desire so that such matters can be entertained.
International negotiations of this kind, of their nature, are confidential and their success is not assisted by hourly, routine disclosures of every step taken by the parties to them.
Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach made much fun yesterday of information on his telephone conversations with the British Prime Minister being given to the media, yet within an hour his departmental officials were imparting that information to the media. The Taoiseach cannot have it both ways.
Now that the Government has finally agreed on measures to tackle trafficking in drugs, will the Taoiseach inform the House when this Bill will be published since some six months have elapsed since its announcement?
The general scheme of the Bill was approved yesterday. Its drafting will take some time but I expect it will be published early next year.
Given that Committee Stage of the Waste Bill was concluded some time ago, has the Taoiseach a timescale for taking Report Stage? Furthermore, does he consider it acceptable that the deadline for the submission of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht was changed unexpectedly to 11 o'clock this morning which does not afford Members much time for their preparation?
I understand from the Whips that Report Stage of the Waste Bill will be taken shortly.
What about the other matter I raised?
In the context of the Government's universities Bill, will the Taoiseach agree to make available to Members of the Opposition all position papers prepared in relation thereto and render them capable of ascertaining the degree of movement from the original to the present position?
The Deputy should raise that matter in another way.
I have tried, but I find the Government less than transparent on the issue.
Has the Taoiseach any proposals on how public funds will be spent legally to communicate information in future referendum campaigns?
I am proceeding now to item No. 4.
The Government promised. Are there any proposals?
The Deputy is out of order.