Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Apr 1986

Vol. 112 No. 3

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Jack Fitzsimons that on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education to ensure that adult education is given a proper place as an integral part of the educational system with adequate resources.

I also received notice from Senator Michael D. Higgins of the following matter:

The urgent need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to pursue measures that will assist in the safe return of an Irish teacher at the American University in Beirut.

I regard both matters as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected Senator Fitzsimon's motion for today's Adjournment and it will be taken from 8.10 p.m. to 8.40 p.m. or earlier if the business ordered is concluded. Senator Higgins may give notice for another day of the matter which he wishes to raise.

Mr. Ferris

It is proposed to take Items Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in that order. It is proposed to suspend the sitting of the House from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. for tea. We will take Item No. 6 at 6.30 p.m. if that is how the business evolves.

Mr. Lanigan

I would like to ask the Leader of the House for what reason the Courts Bill has been put back to Item No. 9 and why Item No. 5 has been put in the position it is in. I would have assumed that if we were to take the business in the order in which it was presented last week, we would now be taking No. 5 as No. 3 and No. 9 would be at either No. 3 or 4.

Mr. Cassidy

I would like to ask the Leader of the House when it is proposed to take No. 34. I asked about it some weeks ago and the Deputy Leader was to let me know. I have had no communication from either the Leader or the Deputy Leader since then.

Mr. Ferris

With reference to Senator Lanigan's question, the Courts Bill is awaiting the availability of the Minister and the priority which the Government and, indeed the House, are giving to the legislation they want to deal with. The Health (Amendment) Bill which it has been agreed between the Whips to take today, is an urgent measure, as the Senator would know as a member of a health board, in that it enables health boards to recoup certain funds. The industrial Development Bill is also urgent because it involves financial arrangements for the IDA. It is because of that that they are being given priority. No. 5 is ordered for immediately afterwards and will be taken at that time. I want to apologise to Senator Cassidy about Item No. 34. I am not sure what communication or what promise the Leader of the House gave but I will make inquiries about it to see where the Minister has that item in the order of priority. It has been treated here as a Fianna Fáil Private Members' Motion and it is a matter for the Senator to nominate the time when he would like to take it on the next occasion when Fianna Fáil have Private Members' Motion. If he wishes to opt for that time for the debate I am sure the Minister will oblige.

Mr. Cassidy

On a point of clarification, it was the Deputy Leader of the House, not the Leader, who said to me on that occasion that he would come back and let me know. It was not taken on a Fianna Fáil motion but under my brief of Communications.

Mr. Fallon

Can I assume that the Second Stage only of the Health Bill will be taken today?

Mr. Ferris

It is hoped to have all Stages taken. We will facilitate the Senator if he wishes to put down amendments. I do not know whether Senators will want to put down amendments. I am anxious to get the Bill as quickly as possible for the reasons stated. I want to co-operate with Members who wish to amend it. Item No. 34 on the Clár is in fact what Senator Cassidy asked me about. He is obviously mixing it up with his Wireless Telegraphy Bill which he keeps asking about as well. Can the Senator make up his mind as to which number he is asking about?

Mr. Cassidy

There is no misunderstanding because the Wireless Telegraphy Bill will never see the light of day in this House while this Government are in power. It will take a Fianna Fáil Government to bring it in and we all know that.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Lanigan

We will not accept all Stages of the Health (Amendment) Bill being taken today. If we had had prior notice we might have considered it but we did make a decision in this House that we would not take all Stages of any Bill on a particular day. This Bill is important and we require more time than we have been given to go through it and ensure that any amendments which may emerge will be adequately dealt with.

Mr. Ferris

If all Stages——

An Cathaoirleach

The Deputy Leader distinctly said in reply that if some Senator wanted time he was quite prepared to give it to him. Is that not what you said?

Mr. Ferris

On a point of clarification, I will give the Opposition all the time they require for amendments if they so wish, but I did discuss this matter with the Opposition last week. I had hoped to get the Bill last week and it was to facilitate the Opposition spokesman who was not available last week that we decided not to take it then. In case Senator Lanigan might not be aware, I did have discussions with Senator Fallon, and got agreement about taking this Bill today. There is a certain element of urgency but naturally if Senators want time for amendments I certainly will give them the time.

Order of Business agreed to.