The first item is the question of debates in the Dáil. For the information of the Committee, the Order governing the debates on our reports expired on 26 June last with the adjournment for the Summer recess. There was at that time a motion on the Order Paper asking for a discussion on one of our reports, Community Aid for Infrastructural Development in Ireland. While that report was debated in the Seanad it was not possible to debate it in the Dáil because the Order providing for it expired on the recess of the Dáil. We do not ask for a debate on all our reports. There was a good debate in the Seanad. Following our request to the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach a reply was received stating that the matter would be raised at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I am informed that a meeting was held on 3 December 1980 but the matter was not even discussed. This is unsatisfactory for this Committee who occasionally judge a matter of such importance that the Dáil's attention should be brought to it and that it should be debated. The Order has lapsed and unless a fresh Order is made that particular right to debate a matter of special interest will be lost. I invite the Committee to advise me as to what they think I should do in the circumstances.
Debates in Dáil.
Is it the Committee on Procedure and Privileges who have to initiate the Order or can it be done by Ministerial order?
It is a parliamentary matter. I had not appreciated that it had to go through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
I do not think that is necessary. As I inderstand it, the motion can be moved by any Member of the Dáil and, subject to the agreement of the House, it may be renewed for a further period. Obviously it went to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It has lapsed since June. I feel, at this stage, it should be open to the Committee to ask one of the Dáil Members if they would be prepared to table it in the Dáil and have it on the Order Paper before the Dáil recess so that it will be there when the Dáil resumes.
It seems a formal matter and it would be disposed of quickly if all the parties were agreed. We might get into a situation where we might wish to have a debate on one of today's reports. We would like to see that Order come alive again. If all the parties are represented, could we see if we can get it on to the Order Paper?
It is a matter for the business ordered. I do not think there is any disagreement.
I suggest that at the Government parliamentary meeting tomorrow it might be an opportune time to get the matter cleared up.
Perhaps Deputy Noonan would speak to his Whip about the matter.
I shall do that.