It is proposed to take No. 6 (resumed) and No. 7. By agreement it is proposed to interrupt business at 3.30 p.m. to take No. 7. Private Members' Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. will be No. 15 (resumed).
Order of Business.
Is it intended to introduce legislation to amend the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, in line with the announcement by the previous Minister for the Environment and the circular issued by him to local authorities with regard to the withering of planning permissions? The matter is of some urgency.
Yes, it is intended to introduce legislation in the next session.
Will it be along the same lines?
It will.
(Limerick East): Is the Taoiseach aware of Mrs. Thatcher's reference to the Irish Republic as the Irish Free State and to his own position as Prime Minister of the Irish Free State? Will the Taoiseach make a statement on the matter?
It does not arise.
Are the Government aware that it was announced last night in New Ross in my constituency that 150 people in Albatros Fertilisers Limited are to lose their jobs and that this will raise the unemployment level in this area to over 20 per cent?
It does not arise on the Order of Business.
Will the Government make a statement on the matter? May I raise this matter on the Adjournment?
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
In regard to the proposed amendment to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 what is being done in the interim period regarding planning permissions which have run out but which, according to the promise of the previous Minister, were to be covered by the local authorities as if they had permission? Since there has been a delay, what is the position?
It does not arise now. It is a matter for a question.
This is the most important part of the question which has already been asked.
It is extremely difficult to hear Deputy Blaney. I do not know what he is saying.
Perhaps I might say in reply to Deputy Blaney's question——
(Interruptions.)
I am only trying to help.