It is proposed to take Items Nos. 1, 2 and 3 today. In view of the suggestions made yesterday that Senators should have an opportunity to look at the work that is going on in the Seanad Chamber, it is intended to break at 11 o'clock and take Item No. 2 from 12 o'clock until 3 p.m. and to take Item No. 3 at 3 p.m.
Order of Business.
Could I draw the attention of the House to Item No. 43 on the Order Paper in my own name and the names of some of my colleagues and ask the Leader of the House if it would be possible to have a full discussion early in the new session on the whole question of defamation and libel on the basis of the report published recently by the national newspapers? I believe it is a subject which should be put high on the agenda and would benefit from an all-party discussion in this House especially. Could the Leader of the House treat that request sympathetically? Secondly, I beg your indulgence, a Chathaoirligh, to note with great satisfaction the apparent breakthrough in the Middle East announced this morning and to send our hopes from this House that this will mean the beginning of a real breakthrough on the path to peace in the Middle East.
Is the Leader of the House in a position to give us an indication on whether it is possible to take Item No. 44 dealing with the ratification of the European Patent Convention at an early opportunity. I would like to also ask him if he can give an indication of at what time — I presume it will now be early in the next session — the debate that was suggested, and I think agreed in principle, with regard to the Middle East will take place. I would like to join with Senator Manning in his views and hopes expressed for the outcome of a——
Those views expressed by Senator Manning and now by Senator Norris are completely out of order on the Order of Business.
I am sure they are morally in order although I accept your ruling, a Chathaoirligh.
Would the Leader of the House consider taking Item No. 21 which my colleagues and I tabled almost a year ago before the designated year of the Environment ended last March? Since then some progress has been made. Nevertheless, having regard to the importance of the ozone layer and the changes that are coming about, the House should have an opportunity to highlight the dangers. I would be grateful if the Leader of the House would give an indication to the possibility of an early debate on that in the new year.
In connection with Item No. 43 mentioned by Senator Manning, I notice that this report was commissioned by the National Newspapers of Ireland. I presume it is an objective report commissioned by the national newspapers.
(Interruptions.)
I will bring the suggestion to the attention of the Minister and see if we can have a debate on that in the new year. With regard to Senator Norris' request in yesterday's debate on the developments in the European Community's since January 1988, the Minister gave a comprehensive answer to the questions asked. If the Senator has a look at that and if he is not satisfied with what the Minister said we can discuss it further.
With regard to Item No. 21, mentioned by Senator McDonald, again the Whips can get together and discuss it. There is no great problem about having a debate on early in the new year. I agree with Senator Manning's comments on the changing situation in the Middle East. Senator Norris agreed that a debate should take place on what has happened. I was asked yesterday about a debate on the Middle East. I would not like to appear to be totally biased in this area but I have an interest in it and I can assure the House that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is of the same opinion as the House that we should have a debate on that subject. That can take place very early in the new year.
Order of Business agreed to.