It is proposed to take Items Nos. 3, 9 and 10. By agreement the Second Stage of Item No. 9 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 4.45 p.m. today and the Minister for the Environment shall be called on to conclude not later than 4.15 p.m.
Order of Business.
Are the arrangements for taking Item No. 9 today agreed? They are agreed.
On the Order of Business, again I want to ask the Taoiseach if he would make some arrangement whereby the House could discuss the negotiations at present taking place with regard to the future of the Irish fishing industry. The Taoiseach would have to agree that reports coming from European sources about the development of these negotiations are very ominous indeed and that, as we interpret them, they would seem to indicate——
The Deputy cannot raise this on the Order of Business.
I will finish in a moment, a Cheann Comhairle. This is a very important matter, of fundamental long term importance.
I suggest the Whips should get together about this.
I will finish now. I just want to ask the Taoiseach that since, as it seems to us, the entire future of the Irish fishing industry is at stake, does he think that it is appropriate that this development should take place without this House having some opportunity to discuss the matter and to give a view on this vitally important national question?
I have the fullest confidence in those who are negotiating this matter——
That is the trouble.
——on behalf of this country and the Irish fishing industry. Our record in this respect in Government previously and in respect of other important national interests, such as the milk super-levy, show that these negotiations are in good hands.
(Interruptions.)
I do not see any need for, nor would it be appropriate in the middle of negotiations, to have a debate in Government time on this subject.
I want to give notice to the Taoiseach that we on this side of the House are not prepared to accept and will not accept a sell-out of Irish fishing interests——
Deputies
Hear, hear.
(Interruptions.)
And it is not a laughing matter either.
Nonsense, there is no sell-out.
They should resign, their whole place is falling apart.
The Taoiseach promised us yesterday that we would have before the House on Tuesday legislation in regard to the acquisition and administration of the Insurance Corporation of Ireland. Could the Taoiseach indicate to us when he intends to circulate the Bill? Will we have it circulated today, or over the weekend, so that we can study this most important Bill?
The legislation is in preparation at present but I am not in a position to tell the Deputy precisely when it will be ready. It is hoped to have it ready in time for Deputies to study it for discussion on Tuesday next. The Deputy will appreciate that the issues involved are complex and without precedent. Therefore, we have to proceed with care and caution in the preparation of legislation on this subject.
I accept that, but possibly more information is being made available to Deputy Haughey than to other people in the House. Certainly we would like to have some information with regard to what is happening and what type of legislation is in mind before it comes before the House on Tuesday. Could the Taoiseach make some arrangement to inform us of what type the legislation will be, what is in mind, before Tuesday?
Not at present but at the earliest opportunity. As soon as we have any draft ready I will make sure that, even in advance of its formal publication, it will be made available to Deputies Haughey and Mac Giolla if that arises during the weekend.
Might I ask the Taoiseach if he has already appointed, or will be appointing, consultants to undertake a fundamental review of RTE, as stated on 1 March——
That cannot be raised on the Order of Business, Deputy.
——because it poses a similar——
The Deputy should not abuse the Order of Business. I am calling on Deputy Flynn.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach this morning when he proposes making available the blue book on insurance which was promised in the House by the Minister on 30 January? He said it would be published before the end of February. I should like to ask him now, considering the important part it will play in the legislation to be introduced next week, if we could have that book published today?
Obviously, I cannot answer that question without notice but I will seek the information and have it conveyed to the Deputy.
It is understood that this matter is before the Government at present. If it is, would the Taoiseach give an indication that he will arrange to have it published this week?
If it is available for publication this week I would naturally wish it to be published. But I cannot help the Deputy because, without notice, I am not in a position to inform him on the matter. But I will find out and let the Deputy know.
Will the Taoiseach make an arrangement to have some copies of it made available before the legislation is introduced next week?
Not knowing the state of play in regard to the publication in question, I am not in a position to promise that. Obviously, if it is available it will be made available.
Will the Taoiseach's office contact me about it?
Yes.
In view of the promises and commitments made by the Taoiseach to introduce legislation for the setting up of the free port area at Ringaskiddy, when is that legislation likely to be before the house?
That legislation will be enacted during the present session.
During this session?
Before the summer recess.
I must protest at this.
I will not allow a discussion on the matter.
The Taoiseach said the legislation would be introduced in this session but now he tells us it will not be introduced until the next session. It is merely another promise gone down the drain.
I said that the legislation would be circulated in April and when I say the present session I mean the session that ends in July this year. There has never been any doubt as to what I meant by that particularly when I referred to the publication of the legislation in April.
Another example of promises resulting in trouble for the Government everywhere.
I would remind the Taoiseach that, in reply to a question from my colleague, he said the Deputy would be able to sleep peacefully before Easter so far as this legislation was concerned; but now we are told it will not be introduced until some time after Easter.
In that case the Deputy concerned will have to take a sleeping tablet.
Last evening proposals in relation to trade union reform were issued by the Minister for Labour. I understand that this morning every trade union in the country received a copy of those proposals and that the media were briefed on them in detail last night. I do not object to the Minister issuing statements wherever he chooses to issue them but as a matter of courtesy—
This does not arise on the Order of Business.
It arises so far as I am concerned. May I have a copy of the document, please?
Yes.
When will the names of the Government appointees to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta be announced?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
The Government postponed this decision from 31 December to the end of March. The chairman of the board and the Government appointees to it must be announced before the end of March.
This does not arise on the Order of Business.
Can the Taoiseach assure me that the new chairman of Údarás na Gaeltachta will not be another Joey Murrin failed European candidate?
Or that some buff will not be resurrected.
In reply to a question from Deputy Haughey, the Taoiseach said he was satisfied with our EC position. Can he clarify whether the figure of 3.6 or the figure of 4.6 will be the increase in the milk super-levy?
This does not arise on the Order of Business.
I am anxious that the Taoiseach clarify the position not only for me but for all those engaged in the dairy industry.
The Deputy is not in order.
Has the Taoiseach in mind the provision of time for a debate of the European Parliament's draft treaty on European union?
That is a matter that should be taken up with the Whips.
There goes our neutrality.
For the third time I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of the possible air pollution from the Moneypoint plant.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
The Government could do with the money.
When will the promised legislation on the setting up of the National Development Corporation be introduced, or has there been any agreement yet in this regard between the two parties to Government?
One should not ask that question.
It is a rude question.
When do the Government propose to bring before us the details of the complaints procedure legislation relating to the Criminal Justice Act, which is a matter of such great importance? The House has been waiting for a considerable time for the legislation.
While a question is in order, the Deputy may not make a speech.
The legislation is being prepared and will be before the House in the reasonably near future.
Will the next appointment be that of a national liquidator?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the dredging of Burtonport Harbour, County Donegal, which we hope will be used by the Irish fishing fleet, though if the negotiators in Brussels have their way this weekend we will be making the facilities available for the Spanish boats.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.