Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 15 Dec 1995

Vol. 460 No. 1

Order of Business.

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 4 and 5 and, subject to the Order being made on No. 5, the Report and Final Stages of the Waste Bill, 1995.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that: (1) Nos. 1 and 4 shall be decided without debate; (2) subject to the Order being made on No. 5, the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of the Waste Bill, 1995, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 4.45 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for the Environment.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal that Nos. 1 and 4 be decided without debate satisfactory and agreed? Agreed.

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 5, that is the Waste Bill, 1995, satisfactory and agreed? Agreed.

Mr. B. Ahern

Can the Minister for Health inform the House of the date of the budget?

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): No decision has been taken on that yet but, of course, this is not the final sitting day.

Mr. B. Ahern

I asked the question because on the Order of Business we are making arrangements for that sitting but no doubt we will be informed next week.

Will the Minister inform the House when the Government will bring forward amendments to the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 in view of the European Union agreement signed yesterday on paternity leave?

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): That matter will be examined arising out of yesterday's decision. I will communicate with the Deputy about the matter.

Ms Keogh

On the forthcoming budget, is the Minister aware that a leading firm of stockbrokers has said that the Irish economy has grown by 16 per cent over the past two years? In the circumstances, can we expect cuts in the tax rates?

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

That can be raised at another time, Deputy, and is not a matter for the Order of Business. The Deputy must know that.

Mr. S. Brennan

Why are the members of the Government laughing at the notion of tax cuts?

Ms Keogh

Since the Minister for Health is dealing with certain Estimates, is he aware of any proposed cuts in tax rates?

Mr. S. Brennan

I am amazed at the members of the Government laughing at the notion of tax cuts, but they would, would they not? Given that the Government has decided, with the agreement of Democratic Left, to sell off one third of Telecom Éireann, will the Minister for Health say when the necessary legislation will be introduced?

An Ceann Comhairle

Is there legislation promised in this area?

Mr. S. Brennan

Yes, there is.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): The Deputy is aware of Government policy on a strategic alliance for Telecom Éireann. The legislative proposals will be brought forward in due course by the relevant Minister.

Mr. S. Brennan

A Cheann Comhairle——

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us not have spurious points of order in order to circumvent rulings.

Mr. S. Brennan

The Government has announced the definite sale of one third of Telecom Éireann.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy, it is not in order to debate this matter now.

Mr. S. Brennan

I simply want to know when the legislation will be introduced or is it true the Government is unable to agree on legislation?

An Ceann Comhairle

Please, Deputy: Deputy Martin is offering.

Mr. Martin

Will the Minister for Health avail of this opportunity to deny reports that the Government intends to reduce the basic pay rates of new teachers entering the education system?

(Interruptions.)

Mr. M. Kitt

Will the Minister for Health inform the House when the Government hopes to receive the report of the Western Development Partnership Board?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is more appropriate to a parliamentary question, not one for the Order of Business.

Mr. N. Treacy

There is a direct line to it there.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): It is a matter for the board to decide when it will forward its report to Government.

Mrs. O'Rourke

Will the Minister for Health prevail on his Labour Party colleagues to request their Labour Party colleagues in Britain to express solidarity with the Irish Steel issue?

Mrs. T. Ahern

On the Order of Business yesterday the Taoiseach suggested that refresher accountancy courses should be arranged for some Members. The Minister for Agriculture should arrange a basic introductory course in agriculture or just a day on the farm for Deputy Eric Byrne so that he might cease to make outrageous generalised statements accusing farmers of fraudulence and filling in forms with intent to deceive.

Mr. E. Byrne

As a member of the Committee of Public Accounts I have been known to expose fraud, be it in social welfare or the agricultural sector. It is our duty as parliamentarians to protect the taxpayers' money. That is my duty and role on the Committee of Public Accounts.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

I am beginning to despair of the spirit of Christmas dawning in this House.