It is proposed to take Nos. 1 to 12 in that order.
Order of Business.
On the last occasion the Seanad met I raised the question of when the necessary motions were going to be tabled, including the expediency motion and the motion establishing the terms of reference, to set up the Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities. I emphasised the urgency of reconstituting this Committee and of getting it into a work routine. More than five months have now elapsed since the previous Joint Committee met and examined draft European proposals. On the occasion last week the Leader of the House undertook to look into the matter and to provide information for the House. I would ask him if he has any clear information about when the motion will be introduced. Unless it is done very rapidly I cannot see the Joint Committee getting into working operation before Christmas, which would be disgraceful. I would welcome some clarification on the point.
In regard to the EEC Committee, the Senator is aware that the outgoing Committee recommended certain changes in the terms of reference. These proposals are, I understand, being considered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The same applies in the case of the other one. The Minister for Finance, the Minister concerned, is looking at the terms of reference of the Committee on State-sponsored Bodies. I echo the hope of the Senator that consideration of the terms of reference be concluded swiftly and that it be possible to set up these Committees soon.
During the period of the last Seanad, when Deputy Lenihan was the Leader of the Opposition here he gave a commitment that if in Government they would speedily introduce a Bill to deal with the problems of family planning. We all know that there are incredible anomalies in the law regarding family planning since the McGee case in the Supreme Court, and I should like to ask the Leader of the House if the Government have made any move to fulfil their commitment. Can he give us any idea of the date when legislation will be prepared and introduced to fulfil the commitment given by Deputy Lenihan?
I do not think that this arises on the Order of Business. The Senator is asking me to speak on the intentions of the Government and I am not in a position to do so.
Is it proposed or is it likely that the Seanad will meet tomorrow?
That depends entirely on how business goes today. If we conclude most of the business we will adjourn until Wednesday next. If progress is slow we will meet tomorrow.
Order of Business agreed.