It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 7 (resumed), 8, 5 and 6. It is proposed that the House on rising this evening will adjourn for the Easter Recess and will resume on 25 April at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Now that the Bills dealing with AnCOT and toll roads have been completed, will the Taoiseach consider reassembling tomorrow or allowing time today for discussion on the industrial relations position?
If agreement is reached on the other business, for example, if the Family Planning Bill finishes today, I could consider the matter.
As the Taoiseach knows, this has been discussed between the Whips. Because of the number of speakers in our party—I do not know about the Labour Party—who wish to contribute in the debate we cannot give any promise with regard to the Family Planning Bill.
In that event I propose that we deal with the Order of Business as I have read it.
Is the Taoiseach making it a condition of a discussion in this House on the most serious problem affecting the country that we dispose of the Family Planning Bill which is an embarrassment to the Government?
The Deputy knows quite well it is not in order to raise matters in this way.
I do not think an Opposition should be subject to that kind of blackmail. The Family Planning Bill has become an embarrassment to the Government and they are trying to make it a condition——
(Interruptions.)
Order.
They want to bury it.
(Interruptions.)
We had the guts to deal with it. We allowed a free vote.
Order.
I am trying to keep this as uncontroversial as possible. I wish to ask the Taoiseach to seriously reconsider this matter. The question of industrial relations and the unknown conditions under which we joined the EMS are matters of serious concern to the Irish people. Surely the Taoiseach would consider sitting tomorrow to allow the House to discuss these matters?
I am calling on the Minister of State.
Will the Taoiseach indicate if he is prepared to reconsider the matter?
As I have said repeatedly, it is not in order to raise these questions on the Order of Business. People no longer seek to have matters raised by way of Private Notice Question. They just ask them on the Order of Business and this is not in order. The Chair is only concerned with order in the House.
They have a majority of 20 seats.
I wish to ask the guidance of the Chair in this matter. I have been a Member of this House for approximately 14 years. On the Order of Business one can legitimately ask if other business may be discussed, particularly business of vital concern to the Irish people. Surely that is in order? Morning after morning for the past four months the Taoiseach has sat there silent——
However important Deputies may consider some matter, that does not mean that it is in order to raise it. The Chair is concerned only with order in the House.
It is ridiculous that we cannot discuss industrial relations which threaten the jobs of thousands of workers.
I am calling on the Minister of State.