asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the proposed legislative programme of the Government until the summer recess.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legislative Programme.
7.
Notification of the Government's legislative programme will be given on the Order of Business each day and the usual advance indication will be given to the Opposition Whips by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach.
Does the Taoiseach's reply indicate that there is not in existence an agreed programme on the part of the Government to be introduced and implemented between now and the summer recess?
Sorry, I did not——
I was asking if the Taoiseach's reply indicated that there is not a legislative programme drawn up for implementation between now and the summer recess, or will any legislative measures be introduced merely on an ad hoc basis from week to week?
This matter is being dealt with through the usual channels. I suggest that the Deputy would consult with the Whip of his party on that aspect.
I am aware of the usual channels. Would the Taoiseach see any merit—from the point of view generally of better government, for any government—in having a legislative programme drawn up in advance which would be indicated to the House at the start of each session?
We have followed the usual tradition of the House in this matter on this occasion.
I am asking if the Taoiseach sees any merit in changing that tradition?
Yes, it could be considered.
Would the Taoiseach feel that a request by Opposition Whips for such a programme outlining the Government's legislative programme between now and the summer recess would be a reasonable one?
Yes.
Well, we have made one, so it will be complied with on that basis. Thank you.
I think the Deputy knows what is the position: at least the Whip of his party knows.
I know. We have made a request.
After a restful period at Easter could the Taoiseach say now when, and for how long, he will make time available to the House for discussion of Government policy dealing with Northern Ireland?
These are questions which do not arise now.
Why does it not arise now?
Because we are dealing with Question No. 7 which deals with——
(Interruptions.)
Why should that not be included in the Government's legislative programme? I am asking a question of simple importance to the Taoiseach. When will he put before the House the Government's proposals about our relationship with Northern Ireland and how much time will be allocated for that discussion?
That matter is being discussed by the Whips.
This matter does not arise now.
The Deputy should discuss it with his own party.
That is the high priority the Taoiseach attaches to this matter.
It is a bit disconcerting for us to make certain arrangements and to set a programme for discussion with the Opposition Parties through the normal channels and then have Deputies raise matters here which shows that they are totally unaware that these discussions are taking place.
Is it not only right that the Taoiseach should be taking the initiative in this matter——
The position about a debate on foreign affairs and Northern Ireland matters is already the subject of discussion between the Whips. If Deputy Harte does not know what is going on in his party I cannot be responsible for that.
Why should Northern Ireland be discussed under the heading of foreign affairs?
Question No. 8.
I am asking why should Northern Ireland——
The Deputy is totally irrelevant. Question No. 8.