It is proposed to take: No. 12 — Finance Bill, 1996 — Second Stage. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on Second Stage of No. 12, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday, 18 April and that the following arrangements shall apply; (1) the opening speech of the Minister for Finance and of the main spokespersons for the Fianna Fáil Party and the Progressive Democrats Party shall not exceed 45 minutes in each case; (2) the speech of each other Member called upon shall not exceed 30 minutes; (3) Members may share time, and (4) the Minister for Finance shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 20 minutes. Private Members' Business shall be No. 34, which is motion No. 9 concerning the beef industry.
Returns to Writs: Constituencies of Donegal North-East and Dublin West. - Order of Business.
Are the proposals for dealing with item No. 12, the Finance Bill, agreed? Agreed.
Will the legislation regarding the establishment of a framework for the development of light rail in Dublin be taken this session? Does the Taoiseach agree that, when I raised this legislation on a number of occasions in the last session, it would have been reasonable for me to expect him to outline that the Bill could not be taken in the normal way as a result of major changes? The Taoiseach was kind enough on one occasion when I asked him to instruct the Minister concerned to talk to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce about its objections to the project, but the Minister responded, and I raised it in this House, that he could not change anything and could not listen to the objections of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce as the submission was in Brussels and could not be changed. The Minister had known for several months that the matter was under question in Brussels and had a report on his desk which he did not forward to Brussels.
This is hardly a matter for the Order of Business.
Will the Taoiseach address those questions as that would help order in this House?
The Deputy — not for the first time — is under a misapprehension in terms of the allegations to which he is giving currency, which have been adverted to by Deputy Séamus Brennan in the most offensive terms. There is no basis for the allegations being made.
The Taoiseach is standing over them.
This matter is being dealt with on the Adjournment this evening and the Minister will comprehensively reply to the baseless charges that have been made against him. Bearing in mind the words I read from Deputy Ahern about people upholding the profession of politics, these allegations come ill from him on this occasion. The legislation in question will be ready in July.
On the proposed light rail Bill, I understand the Taoiseach's anger because it is in chapter and verse that despite questioning the Minister on six occasions in the House he did not mention the November decision. He told the Seanad on 14 February that we have enough studies.
Deputy Brennan, I have already indicated this matter is the subject of debate.
Is the Taoiseach standing over this House being misled? That is a straightforward question.
This matter will be discussed on the Adjournment this evening, let us wait until then.
The issue is one of misleading the House and the charge which the Taoiseach appears to be standing over is that since November the Minister knew that the EU had stepped in and did not tell the House. Why did he not tell that to the House and why is the Taoiseach defending him?
The Deputy should read his brief.
The Minister knew in November about the decision but he never told us about it. I raised it during six debates and the Minister did not tell the House about it.
What about the Harcourt Street line?
The Opposition is making baseless charges against the integrity of a good Minister in a manner that is entirely without justification. Unfortunately, because of the procedures of this House these charges are being made by Deputies Ahern and Brennan and the Minister will not be in a position to reply to them until tonight when he will do so comprehensively.
If the Taoiseach provides time we will debate those charges. He orders the Business of the House.
I ask all those who are inclined to give currency of any kind to the charges made by Deputies Ahern or Brennan not to do so until they have heard the Minister's comprehensive reply to these charges this evening.
On a point of order——
I will hear no more on the subject.
On a point of order——
Deputy Brennan, you will not circumvent my ruling by that device.
I ask the Taoiseach to allow the Minister to make a personal statement on the matter. On a point of order——
Deputy Brennan, you cannot put a point of order to me when I am dealing with disorder. Resume your seat.
This House is being misled.
Deputy Brennan, resume your seat or leave the House.
A Cheann Comhairle, I have been a Member of this House for a long time and I have never been asked to leave it.
Deputy Brennan, you will not show this kind of disdain, disrespect and disregard to the Chair. I must ask you now to leave the House.
The Minister has misled this House and the Taoiseach is standing over it.
If you do not leave the House forthwith, I will name you.
I have a quotation from the Minister stating there will be no more studies.
I must ask that Deputy Brennan be named and that a motion be moved that he be suspended from the service of this House.
That is to avoid hearing the Minister's reply.
If the Government were to provide time to discuss the matter, we would do so.
I have every respect for the Chair and the maintenance of order. If Deputy Brennan had patience, he would hear a comprehensive reply to his charges this evening, but he wants a sensation.
He has got a sensation.
He wants a personal sensation without any respect for the integrity of other Members of the House. I am quite surprised at Deputy Bertie Ahern allowing this in view of the fact that he has been speaking about the profession of politics and the need to maintain respect for those engaged in this profession.
The Taoiseach cannot make such allegations when the Minister is on record concerning this matter.
This is not a fair proceeding.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach should not be allowed to make the statement he is making.
I have been asked by the Chair to move a motion and I do so reluctantly.