It is proposed to take Nos. 8, 9, 10 (resumed), 11 and 12.
Order of Business.
If we are to be asked to deal today with some extraneous matter I would ask the Minister involved to inform the Ceann Comhairle and the Opposition as a matter of courtesy so that there would not be a repetition of last night's occurrence when the Minister for the Environment made such a ham-fisted effort. I doubt if he even consulted his own Whip in the matter.
The Opposition cannot even co-operate on the Order of Business and have made a mess of Private Members' Time for the rest of the session.
(Interruptions.)
Were the Opposition afraid to have the vote?
We must proceed with business.
The Minister showed his total incompetence in his most ham-fisted effort yet and had to withdraw the motion. In the interests of democracy——
(Interruptions.)
The Tánaiste.
I am in possession.
There is no motion for a debate. Deputies may ask questions relating to the Order of Business.
There is no motion for a debate but there is cause for a debate. Can we be assured that if the Government intend to bring in a motion they will consult their own Whip and also the Labour Party? They were kept out of it last night.
I should like to ask the Tánaiste whether it is intended to introduce a Social Welfare (Temporary Provisions) Bill shortly. This Bill would be necessary to make payment of a double week at Christmas to old age pensioners, widows and other long-term beneficiaries. This time last year people knew that such a double payment would be made and it is important if this legislation is coming before the House——
Perhaps the Deputy would give the Tánaiste an opportunity to answer the question.
Would the Tánaiste let us know if it is intended to introduce this Bill?
The Deputy refers to a matter which has already been the subject of parliamentary questions. I would remind him that there has already been a payment in October this year. If the Deputy or his party have any other queries on the matter they can follow them up through parliamentary questions or with the Whips.
Since this is on the Order of Business, I would rather stick to legislation which is coming before the House. The Tánaiste mentioned the derisory increase of 3 per cent for many of these people. I am asking him to say——
Cavan-Monaghan): On a point of order, I understand a ruling was given by your predecessor that questions about legislation were relevant only if the legislation had been introduced or was promised.
Thank you for your advice.
Can I take it that they are not promising——
I would ask Deputy Woods to resume his seat. The question was answered.
I wish to lodge a complaint against the statement made by the Minister for rising prices——
Have you a question, Deputy?
——when he cast a slur on the people of County Roscommon.
That is not in order.
(Interruptions.)
I want the Minister to withdraw his comment that if he were a Roscommon voter he would resent being represented in a national Parliament——
The Deputy is being disorderly and must resume his seat. Only relevant questions may be raised on the Order of Business.
Could the Tánaiste tell me when he would be prepared to give time for a debate on the failure of the Government——
(Cavan-Monaghan): When Charlie is away the boys can play.
Deputy Fitzpatrick should keep the little bit of hair he has. Will the Government allow time for a debate on their failure to sanction the appointment of a consultant rheumatologist to Manor-hamilton hospital?
It does not arise.
When is it proposed to introduce a new Family Planning Bill, having regard to the fact that the Taoiseach referred to the existing Act as being blatantly sectarian? Since he does not need a referendum to change it but merely a Dáil majority it is reasonable to assume that he intends to remedy this blatant sectarian measure as soon as possible. When is it proposed to introduced the new Bill?
No decision has been taken on that matter. I am sure it will have consideration during the coming year but I do not see much likelihood of the measure being taken before Christmas. We have many other Bills relating to the economic situation, such as those dealing with the proposed national development corporation and the youth employment agency, and I am sure the former Tánaiste will agree that these are pressing matters which need our attention during this session.
One got the impression from the Taoiseach's comments that he regarded the other matter as rather pressing. I take it from what the Tánaiste has said that the Government do not regard it as pressing.
Would the Tánaiste or the Minister for Labour inform the House what action has been taken to bring about a resumption of work at Tara Mines?
It does not arise on the Order of Business.
I wonder if the Tánaiste would indicate to the House — because of the considerable embarrassment caused to teacher members of the Fine Gael party on account of the outburst of the Minister for Education last evening — whether he will allow a free vote to the teacher members of that party on the Private Members' Motion before the House.
(Interruptions.)
It is a matter of conscience for the Minister for the Gaeltacht too. There will be a fair degree of teacher hangings before this year is out.