Vol. 333 No. 3
It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 12. Private Members' Business will be taken from 7 to 8.30 p.m., item No. 14 (resumed). In relation to Bills being restored to the Order Paper today it is proposed, by agreement, to proceed with the Second Stage debates on the following Bills after item No. 13 has been dealt with:
Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 1981;
Statute Law Revision Bill, 1981;
Funds of Suitors Bill, 1981 (Seanad).
Might I ask the Taoiseach if it is his intention to ask leave to re-introduce the Criminal Justice Bill, 1981?
No.
Does the Taoiseach, therefore, intend to advertise the job of executioner in this country, or if he intends to grant immunity in advance to murderers in this country?
That is argumentative, Deputy.
I have asked the Taoiseach and he has told me that it is not his intention to reintroduce the Criminal Justice Bill, 1981. That means the death penalty will remain on the Statute Book so far as the Government are concerned. You will appreciate, Sir, that there is no executioner in this country——
Does the Deputy want a job?
We cannot have a debate on the matter. The Deputy asked the question and was given a reply but unfortunately we cannot have a debate on the matter.
I am entitled to highlight the fact that there is law passed by this country which cannot be implemented unless there is an executioner. I want to ask the Taoiseach if he is going to fill that post and if murderers or people who commit capital murders in the future will be executed. Therefore, is this post of executioner going to be advertised?
Sorry, Deputy, we must get on with the Order of Business now. Item No. 1, Appointment of Committee of Selection.
Is it not reasonable, Sir, for me, as a Member of this House, to ask that laws passed by this House, which are not going to be changed——
I am sorry, Deputy, that does not arise on the Order of Business.
Of course it does.
I permitted you to ask a question on the Order of Business but not to pursue a debate on the Order of Business. I must now rule on this, Deputy Mitchell. I am sorry that you cannot have an answer more satisfactory to you but I am not responsible for it. We shall now proceed with the Order of Business.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Capital punishment will be like Deputy Gregory's agreement, it will not be taken seriously.
On the Order of Business might I ask the Taoiseach what are his intentions in regard to the situation now obtaining following two Supreme Court decisions in relation to rent restrictions. In particular, might I ask him if he is aware that the Temporary Provisions Bill will cease to have effect on 25 April 1982. When will he be bringing in legislation——
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
Perhaps the Taoiseach would indicate when he will be bringing legislation before the House.
The legislation is almost ready.
Is that of a temporary nature?
No, permanent legislation.
