Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 2

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 21, Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1998 — Report and Final Stages; No. 9, motion re. Statement for the Information of Voters in relation to the Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1998; No. 12, Motion re. Referendum (Ballot Paper) Order, 1998; Nos. 9 and 12 shall be taken at the conclusion of the proceedings on the Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1998; No. 5, Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill, 1998, Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; No. 2, Employment Equality Bill, 1997 [Seanad], Second Stage.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that, (1) the Report and Final Stages of No. 21 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 11.30 a.m. today 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 Foreign Affairs; (2) Nos. 9 and 12 shall be decided without debate; and (3) the Second Stage of No. 5 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 2.30 p.m. today and any division demanded thereon shall be postponed until immediately after the Order of Business on Tuesday, 31 March, 1998. This is in addition to that which I agreed previously.

An Ceann Comhairle

There are three proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 21 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 9 and 12 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 5 agreed to?

Mr. Quinn

No, the Taoiseach has articulated a contrary Order of Business to that which was set out originally. Can I take it, subject to final agreement with the Whips, that No. 5 will run from 11.30 p.m. to 12.30 and that from 12.30 to 2.30 a comprehensive statement on the NIB revelations, including the relevant Ministers, will be slotted in?

The Taoiseach

That is correct, if the Whips can work out how they want to use the statements, questions and answers and Ministers.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Taoiseach withdrawing the proposal in regard to No. 5?

The Taoiseach

I will amend Standing Orders subject to that.

Mr. Barrett

The Taoiseach should come back with a new Order of Business.

Mr. Howlin

Bring in a supplementary Order Paper.

The Taoiseach

In the normal course of events, the Whips would make a statement after their meeting. If the House is agreeable, after the Whips meeting a new Order of Business will be announced for the remainder of the day.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Proinsias De Rossa

With regard to the proposed statements by the Government on this issue, can I take it that the role of the Central Bank will be dealt with and what it has not been doing in regard to acting in the interest of the citizens of the State by carrying out its role as a regulatory body? It has been negligent in doing its job.

An Ceann Comhairle

This issue can be taken up during the debate.

Proinsias De Rossa

Will the Government interview the Central Bank about what it has been doing? It is important.

An Ceann Comhairle

The issue can be dealt with during the debate.

Proinsias De Rossa

No, the Government will make their statements and we will have the right to respond. However, I want specific matters covered by the statements, such as the role of the Central Bank and what steps will be taken to investigate whether other banks are also involved in this scam.

An Ceann Comhairle

The House cannot dictate what will be in the statements at this stage.

Mr. Howlin

Will the information I sought on the Order of Business yesterday be made available to spokespersons in advance of taking No. 5?

The Taoiseach

I stated yesterday I would put any questions required by the Deputy for the debate to the Attorney General.

Mr. Howlin

As I pointed out yesterday, the questions I sought answers on were tabled in the name of Deputy Quinn and were disallowed. Will the Taoiseach do his best to facilitate answers to those questions in advance of the debate?

The Taoiseach

I can consult with the Attorney General. I have not seen the questions but I will find out what they are.

Mr. Howlin

They were submitted to the Taoiseach's Department.