The Order of Business for today is: item No. 1, the Local Government (Water Pollution) (Amendment) Bill, 1989; item No. 2, the Industrial Relations Bill, 1989, Second Stage and Committee Stage to 7 p.m. At 7 p.m. we will have a sos to 7.30 p.m. There will also be a sos from 2 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. From 7.30 p.m. until 9 p.m. we will take the Private Members' Bill dealing with farm incomes. From 9 p.m. to midnight the Shannon Navigation Bill, Second and Committee Stages, will be dealt with and, hopefully, we will be able to finish that Bill.
Order of Business.
I would like some clarification from the Leader of the House. When he says we will be taking the Industrial Relations Bill, Second and Committee Stages to 7 o'clock, there is no question of there being a forced conclusion of the debate at 7 o'clock or of the Shannon Navigation Bill at midnight? There is no question of any closure or guillotine procedures being brought in here? There was some confusion yesterday. There was an understanding on the far side of the House that this was what had been agreed in the Order of Business. We would not agree to any closure motions, for a variety of reason which I need not go into now. I would just like clarification on that.
May I also repeat the appeal I made yesterday to the Leader of the House to ask the Government not to bring in the Broadcasting Bill tomorrow. An amendment to that Bill yesterday means it will not now come into effect until October. It would be in the interests of the legislation and of the Oireachtas if the taking of that Bill were postponed until September so that there would be time for reflection on all sides.
I wish to ask a question with regard to item No. 7, the Interpretation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 1989 and item No. 9, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 1989. I asked about these before and the Leader of the House indicated he had no intention himself of advancing these Bills. Since I think they are non-contentious and I believe the Government would agree with the principle of them — even if they want to take them over themselves it would be a good thing — perhaps the Leader might ask again what is the intention of the Government with regard to these two Bills and report back to the House.
May I ask the Leader of the House if he is going to introduce the Broadcasting Bill tomorrow?
I would like to ask the Leader of the House whether he intends to take before the summer recess the motion on the Order Paper regarding Ireland's term of the Presidency of the European Community. I had a view that the Irish Presidency of the EC discharged its duties with the utmost efficiency. The Taoiseach, his Ministers and the Ministers of State performed their tasks magnificently during this period while many important developments were taking place in Europe——
You are making a speech now, Senator.
It is important that this House should be afforded the opportunity to discuss this motion in particular when other people——
You have put your question to the Leader of the House, Senator.
I would like to ask the Leader of the House what was the outcome of the meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges last week regarding the establishment of the committee to investigate the extension of Seanad voting rights to universities other than NUI and Dublin University. I would consider it a high priority on our list. Everybody on all sides of the House, with the exception of a few, thought it was high priority at the beginning of this session. Because of its discriminatory nature, I would like to know the position from the Leader of the House.
I would like to place on record the fact that the Waterford Glass strike is over and to welcome that, which cost the city of Waterford £1 million per week and up to £14 million or £15 million in the period it lasted. I would also like to congratulate all those concerned, the trade unions, the Department of Labour, the Minister for Labour and the officials who were involved in it. It is good to see that coming to an end.
In relation to the Broadcasting Bill, I would like to know the intentions there, considering the length of time it was debated and the number of amendments. It would certainly be very short notice if it appears in this House first thing tomorrow morning without allowing us an opportunity to see the effects of the amendments on the Bill as originally initiated in the House. I think it would be proper to have the matter dealt with at a later time.
In regard to the points raised by Senator Manning, the position is as I indicated. It is the Second Stage and Committee Stage of the legislation I referred to. I indicated at the outset that in regard to the Bills I mentioned — the Industrial Relations Bill and the Shannon Navigation Bill — both those Bills are at Second Stage and Committee Stage.
There is no question of those being completed at 7 o'clock?
Certainly not at 7 o'clock.
On the other point of the Broadcasting Bill, raised by Senator Manning and others, it is still with the other House. It was indicated to the Whips last week that it would be taken in the Seanad on Thursday and that still seems to be the position.
Senator Norris referred to two Bills. It is not possible to take those Bills during this term.
Senator Upton raised the question of the Broadcasting Bill and I have indicated the position, and the Whips know the position since last week. It is still the intention to take the Broadcasting Bill in this House tomorrow.
Senator Dan Kiely raised the question of the EC Presidency. It is not my intention to have a debate on that prior to the recess.
Senator Jackman raised a question on the franchise of the Universities of Limerick and Dublin City. The CPP discussed this matter and they decided that since this matter involved legislation it would primarily be the concern of the Minister for the Environment. The House could be involved, if one of the groups so wished, by having a debate on the relevant motion on the subject matter but it was felt it was not an appropriate matter for the CPP to be involved in. There is a motion on the Order Paper, Motion 77, and whether to have a debate on that is something the Member should consider. Obviously, the Minister for the Environment could be present and it could proceed from there if that is the wish of the House.
Senator Costello referred to the Waterford Glass problem. Certainly, we all join with him in congratulating all those concerned. We are all delighted that the strike at Waterford Glass is concluded. He also referred to the question of the Broadcasting Bill and I have outlined the position on that.
Order of Business agreed to.