It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 15.
Order of Business.
When is it intended to bring the Hours of Work Bill before the House?
I cannot give it a date because there are further consultations to take place.
I asked the Taoiseach about this earlier and had expected that by now I would have been informed. Will it be before the House this session?
I could not say because it depends on the progress and outcome of consultations which have to take place, and aspects of it, between the trade unions and employers——
What aspects are creating difficulty?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach confirm his statement of 22 January 1983 that the European and local elections will be held on the same day in 1984?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach care to indicate what his intentions are because a great deal of confusion has been created.
I am ruling that this is not a matter which would properly arise on the Order of Business.
Does the Taoiseach not wish to clarify the matter for the country?
The Taoiseach might wish to clarify it but obviously it would lead to further debate and there is a question down——
A very short statement from the Taoiseach would clarify this matter.
There is a question down on the Order Paper dealing with this matter——
The Taoiseach is indicating with his hand that he is willing to answer. I suggest that you allow him to reply.
There is a question on the Order Paper dealing with this mater and it would be unfair to the Deputy concerned——
I am the person who has the question down on the Order Paper and I want the matter clarified if the Taoiseach would care to do so. Why the reticence in this matter?
The Chair is ruling that it is not in order now.
Could I ask the Taoiseach if he will fulfil his commitment of some weeks ago to introduce within three weeks legislation in relation to third country fishing vessels fishing within our waters?
The legislation in question has been before the Government in the form of the heads of the Bill and the Bill is now being drafted. A number of complex legal points arose in connection with the Bill and in view of the importance of securing its full effectiveness, it was necessary to examine these particularly carefully. We are now satisfied that we have a Bill which does fully what this House would wish it to do. That Bill is now being drafted and will be before the House within two or three weeks, I would think. It depends on the length of time of drafting. It should be available within that kind of period.
Did the Taoiseach not consider all those factors before he gave a serious commitment to this House?
The Deputy has already asked his question.
The Taoiseach gave a serious commitment that it would be introduced in three weeks.