It is proposed to take Nos. 2, 3 (resumed) and 4 (resumed). Private Members' Business will be Item No. 11 (resumed).
Order of Business.
There is a small point on Item No. 2, the Social Welfare Bill. I take it the usual time limit will be imposed in regard to its passage?
Yes.
What date is envisaged?
I think I can answer that. It has to be through by 1 April.
(Dún Laoghaire): We spoke about that yesterday.
That is why I answered the question.
I think we will leave the running of this country to the two Deputies. Related to this is the question which was asked of the Taoiseach yesterday about the 1 per cent employment levy. The Taoiseach said he had no notice as to what the operative date of this employment levy would be. When will the workers of this country start to pay this 1 per cent?
That and the other taxation provisions will come into operation at the beginning of the tax year.
Does that mean it will start from 5 April of this year?
Does the Taoiseach intend to allow time for a debate on unemployment? I asked this question yesterday and he suggested I should get in touch with the Chief Whip, which I did. I want to know if a decision has been made on the matter.
This is a matter which comes up in the budget debate. I am not clear that there would be any advantage in having a second debate on what would amount to the same subject in large measure. Subject to further consideration, on the whole a special debate at this time would not serve any useful purpose.
We cannot have a debate on it now.
I understand, but the fact is that the publication of the unemployment figures the day before yesterday indicated a continuing trend upwards.
The Deputy will appreciate that this is being debated freely on the budget.
Yes, but the Government have not yet indicated what their policies are to bring the situation under control.
That is the disadvantage of allowing this sort of thing to be raised on the Order of Business. Whether we like it or not it develops into a debate. Deputy Gene Fitzgerald on the Order of Business.
In view of yesterday's reported decision by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and our discussions here, will the Taoiseach indicate to the House the Government's stance and attitude as an employer regarding pay in the public sector?
We have just had that response and the whole pay area has to be taken together. I am meeting representatives of the FUE this afternoon.
What does the Taoiseach mean by "taken together"— a free for all?
In advance of meeting the FUE I would not wish to say anything further on the subject.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention to go ahead with the Criminal Justice Bill? In view of the recent events this House must certainly question the way in which the laws are being administered. The Bill would provide an opportunity to review this position.
The Criminal Justice Bill will be introduced.
Could we have a rough time scale?
I would not like to say whether it will be before or after Easter, but it will be introduced with a view to getting it through during this session.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I intend to raise on the adjournment the question of the accommodation at Kilinarden post primary school, Tallaght.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.