Vol. 508 No. 2
I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the holding of a Consultative Plebiscite prior to the provision by the State of a Presentation Document for the Partnership for Peace.
Is the Chief Whip able to indicate when the House will debate the issue of Partnership for Peace?
We must first ascertain if the Bill is opposed. Is the Bill opposed?
Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time. Deputy Quinn should therefore move that Second Stage be taken in Private Members' time.
It might not be necessary to use Private Members' time if the Government accepts the Bill in line with its election manifesto commitment. Will the Government accept the Bill?
It is not accepted as a Government Bill; it is accepted as a Private Members' Bill.
The Government is reneging on the commitment in its manifesto.
We cannot discuss that now.
Would it be in order, a Cheann Comhairle, briefly to ask when the House will discuss Ireland joining the Partnership for Peace if there is no plebiscite and will we discuss the final terms or the negotiating position of the Government?
When the discussion takes place is a matter for the Whips.
It is really a question for the Order of Business, a Cheann Comhairle.
Had the Chair not taken the decision to terminate the Order of Business—
Which the Chair has every right to do.
I know, Sir, but I would have raised this matter on the Order of Business – it would have been in order – had I been allowed to so do. Perhaps the Minister of State might experience a rush of courage and give an opinion on the matter now.
When will it be taken?
I have no information from the Department as to the discussions on Partnership for Peace. As soon as I have such information I will communicate it to the Deputy.
I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."
