It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 9 (resumed), 10, 11, 12, 13 and 3. Private Members' Business from 7.00 to 8.30 p.m. will be item No. 17, by agreement. Also by agreement it is proposed that item No. 17 will be concluded tonight and the following time limits will apply to the debate: Opening speaker 20 minutes, other speakers 15 minutes and concluding speakers seven-and-a-half minutes.
Order of Business.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention to make a statement on his meeting yesterday with the Northern Secretary, Mr. Prior?
No. A statement describing what happened was issued following the meeting. It was a first contact between the Secretary of State, the Tánaiste, the Minister and myself and there will be a meeting with the British Prime Minister before long. Naturally, that will be followed by a statement to this House.
Does the Taoiseach not think it would be desirable that he should give the House some information about this meeting? Otherwise we shall have to rely on newspaper reports of what may or may not have happened. Would the Taoiseach not accept that in view of the present situation it would be courteous, at least, and I suggest mandatory on him, to give us some indication of what, if anything, took place?
No. I do not think there is any precedent for a statement following such a meeting with a Minister of another Government. In view of the close juxtaposition of this meeting and that with the Prime Minister, I do not think it is desirable at this stage to make a statement about the matters discussed yesterday.