It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 12 (resumed), 13, 14 and 15. The Unfair Dismissals Bill will be taken after No. 13. No. 15 will be taken at 3.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Might I ask the Taoiseach if, before the Dáil goes into recess for Easter, the House could have a statement from the Government as to what proposals they intend now to implement in view of the breakdown at the Council of Ministers' meeting over the weekend on the fishery proposals. I understand that the Government have been having discussions on this. I wonder if the Taoiseach would indicate whether or not the Ministers concerned could make a statement to the House as to what intentions they have at this stage.
It is not intended to make a statement.
The Taoiseach appreciates that there will be no opportunity for the House to discuss whatever steps the Government propose to take arising out of the breakdown of discussions in Brussels. The Taoiseach does not intend to allow the House that opportunity?
No.
In the meantime, with a considerable amount of Press speculation, does the Taoiseach not think it would be desirable that the House at least would have an opportunity of discussing these matters?
The Deputy will appreciate that no amount of speculation will solve the problem. It will have to be discussed at a subsequent meeting by the Council of Ministers.
The Taoiseach will appreciate that his Ministers have indicated that they intend to take action; in fact that action has merely been postponed. According to their statements, the House and the public can expect that some action will be taken over the next few days. Surely it would be appropriate that the House have an opportunity of discussing it?
The Deputy will appreciate that if talk would settle it it would have been settled long ago.
That is just what is wrong with the country at present— talk.
(Interruptions.)
——no right for us to discuss it.