It is proposed to take Nos. 5, 2 and 7. By agreement the proceedings on item No. 5, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. and the Minister for Agriculture shall be called on to conclude not later than 6.50 p.m. Business will not be interrupted at 7 p.m. today for Private Members' Business.
Order of Business.
Are the arrangements for today's business agreed?
I protest once again that business will not be interrupted for Private Members' Business. We are now going into November and we have continually been deprived of Private Members' time. I know it is not something the Taoiseach will lose sleep about but I am surprised that the Leader of the Opposition so easily allowed one of the best methods of opposition to be thrown away in the loss of Private Members' time. We have returned only today as a result of the bank holiday while we could easily have returned at 2.30 p.m. yesterday and three hours' time could have been allowed between yesterday evening and this evening. I do not want to bring the matter to a vote as we did on one occasion when we had the support of five Deputies. I will continue to protest on behalf of The Workers' Party at this arrangement, with which we have nothing to do. We are now told that there will be no Private Members' time today. How long is this to continue? Are we to be deprived of Private Members' time throughout this session?
Is it agreed that business will not be interrupted at 7 p.m. today for Private Members' Business?
Agreed.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the abuse by the Minister for Education of her position for party political purposes at a number of second level schools in Kerry on Friday last, 26 October. I would regard her actions as a certain type of selective political education and I regret this very much.
The Deputy cannot make a statement. The Chair will communicate with Deputy O'Rourke.
In view of the continuing hardship to the staff and the disruption of the commercial life of the nation, I should like with your permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of the strike at the New Ireland and Irish National Insurance groups.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Tunney.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the proposed development of Greencastle harbour and to ask the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when he will sanction the commencement of works there.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Conaghan.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the matter of a vacancy for a social worker in the northern half of County Louth which the North-Eastern Health Board are unable to fill.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Kirk.
I would ask the Taoiseach whether the Government have any proposals to introduce a race relations Bill.
Unless this has been promised it does not arise on the Order of Business.
I understand some information did come from an official of the Government Information Service that such a measure was proposed.
Nobody pays any attention to him any more. He would say anything.
Is Deputy Taylor not a Government Whip? Are they not communicating with him?
Due to contradictory statements by the Minister for Communications and one of the Government backbenchers regarding the Government's intention in relation to the proposed cross-Channel ferry service from Cork, I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment in order to give the Minister an opportunity to tell the people of the south-west region whether the Government intend to continue to show total disregard for them.
I will communicate with the Deputy. I would add for the benefit of younger Deputies that it is not in order to say a controversial, argumentative few words in requesting that a matter be raised on the Adjournment.
(Limerick West): I ask your permission to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of my Private Notice Question which was disallowed by you today on the suggested winding up of the Pigs and Bacon Commission.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Noonan.
I would ask the Taoiseach what action he proposes to take to renew the trade we have lost with Libya and if he is aware of the serious consequences for the country of the loss of that very fine contract.
It does not arise on the Order of Business.