Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Mar 1992

Vol. 131 No. 17

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

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

The need for the Minister for Health to provide funds for the provision of permanent residential accommodation for the old and infirm of Wexford town and surrounding area.

I also received notice from Senator Ross of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment to extend the coal ban to Bray town and its environs.

I also received notice from Senator Jackman of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications to outline her plans for the retention of the Shannon stop-over.

I also received notice from Senator Brendan Ryan of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Social Welfare to clarify, in the light of recent reports, the interpretation by his Department of the requirement that recipients of unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit be genuinely seeking work.

I also received notice from Senator Raftery of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to provide protection to creditors in the meat trade, similar to that provided to the clients of auctioneers and estate agents which protects sellers and purchasers of property and livestock.

I also received notice from Senator O'Keeffe of the following matter:

The need for the Minister to request health boards to be more enterprise conscious and to introduce an element of self-financing in their affairs.

I also received notice from Senator S. Byrne of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to clarify the position with regard to the Teagasc office in Tipperary town threatened with closure.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Doyle, Ross, Jackman, Ryan, Raftery and O'Keeffe as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected Senator Doyle's matter and it will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senators Ross, Jackman, Ryan, Raftery and O'Keeffe may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.

I regret that I have had to rule the matter raised by Senator Byrne as not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the grounds of repetition.

Mr. Wright

Before giving the Order of Business I would just like to clear up some matters and give the House as much information as possible, as will be my intention as we proceed. We will have the Greencore debate next week. I say that on the basis that the Minister is keen to deal with the matter in this House next week.

With regard to our discussion on the Supreme Court decision of last week we agreed that, when the wording of the amendment to the Protocol was available, this House would be given an opportunity to debate the issue.

I mentioned last week that we would take the Social Welfare Bill on Thursday and Friday, 2 and 3 April 1992. Regarding United Meat Packers, it was agreed that, if there were more speakers in that debate, time would be made available in the House this week for that purpose, which can be arranged with the Whips. We had the Minister in the House last week when he gave us his views and various speakers had an opportunity of contributing. It was agreed that if additional speakers wish to contribute to this most important issue, we would make time available tomorrow.

Regarding the sittings for the next few weeks — 25 and 26 March, 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 April — we will discuss them later. We will take Committee Stage of the Electoral Bill in about two weeks time. There will be a further announcement with regard to legislation to be initiated in the House in respect of which I hope to be in a position next week to give some further information.