It is proposed to take Items Nos. 5 and 11. By agreement, the Dail shall meet at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m. Business shall be confined to Estimates for Public Services.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, I should like to ask the Tánaiste if the Local Radio Bill has been approved by the Cabinet in the absence of the Taoiseach and if the Bill will be brought before the House in the near future?
It has not been discussed by the Cabinet in the absence of the Taoiseach.
It has not been discussed?
It has not been discussed by the Cabinet in the Taoiseach's absence, which was the question.
(Interruptions.)
I call Deputy Tunney.
Are the Government discussing anything in his absence?
When is the Taoiseach coming back?
Could I ask the Chair——
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. I call Deputy Tunney.
Could I ask for permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of the apparent breakdown of our court and prison systems?
I shall communicate with Deputy Tunney.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the increasing public concern with the epidemic of car stealing, with particular reference to the incident in Finglas last night when a young child was injured in a high speed car chase.
I shall communicate with Deputy De Rossa.
On the Order of Business, would the Ceann Comhairle give me permission to raise on the Adjournment the question of security at Loughan House?
I shall communicate with Deputy Wilson.
A Deputy
Security is breaking down all over the place.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I should like to raise on the Adjournment the efforts the Minister for Agriculture is making to ensure that the price paid for milk is based on the butter fat content.
I shall communicate with Deputy Walsh.
A Ceann Comhairle, could I have your permission to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the anxiety expressed concerning the transportation of ammonia from Cork to Dublin by train?
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the proposed closure of Scoil Ard Mhuire in Lusk. This is the third occasion on which I have stood up.
I shall communicate with Deputy O'Rourke.
In view of the alarming increase in borrowing with each passing day, could I ask the Tánaiste——
Each second.
——if the Government would allow Government time for a debate on this very important issue? It is a matter of very considerable concern as we discuss the Finance Bill. The tax levels, obviously, will have to increase in line with the borrowing.
I allowed the Deputy a question. I cannot allow a speech.
Could I ask the Tánaiste if, in view of this, we will have Government time——
I cannot allow Government time in the House.
In view of the fact that it is increasing in the order of some £10 million a day——
I am telling the Deputy that he is now making a speech and conducting a cross-examination. I am not prepared to allow that.
The matter is covered in the budget debate, and the Deputy knows that perfectly well.
I call Deputy Hugh Byrne.
We are going to spend time debating tax and my question follows immediately on that.
The Deputy, no doubt, will have an opportunity. There is fairly liberal scope in the debate.
Who is going to pay for all the Minister's borrowing?
A fairly liberal attitude is being taken towards Committee Stage debate on this Bill. I am ruling the Deputy out of order. I call Deputy Hugh Byrne.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please.
The Government have the country in hock.
It does not arise on the Order of Business. I have allowed Deputy O'Kennedy's question.
The amount of borrowing is very relevant to the debate on the Finance Bill.
It does not arise on the Order of Business.
Tell that to the judge, Michael.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy O'Kennedy can be very difficult. He is now making a speech. He is making a case.
I presume that I shall be allowed to raise the matter further in the course of the debate?
We shall deal with that when it comes.
Just while we have been talking, borrowing has increased by the order of £20,000.
That is nonsense.
It is not.
Deputy O'Kennedy should resume his seat. I call Deputy Hugh Byrne.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. Deputy Hugh Byrne.
Could I raise on the Adjournment the issue in the reduction of the number of sailings to Rosslare and the resulting loss of jobs in the south east?
Hear, hear.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
Could I raise on the Adjournment the matter of the problem connected with the primary schools in Buttevant, due to a change in the catchment area?
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
Could I ask the Tánaiste if he intends to give time in this session for a debate on the report of the Committee on Marriage Breakdown?
I believe the matter is being discussed between the Whips and as soon as the discussions have been formalised the matter will be before the House.
Is the Tánaiste in a position to say if the Government wish to have a discussion?
I call item No. 5.
Is it in order to ask if the Government wish to have a debate on this report? Are we not entitled to a reply?
I did not rule it out of order, Deputy.
I did not hear the last question.
Do the Government wish to have a debate in the Dáil on the report of the Committee on Marriage Breakdown?
The matter will be discussed between the Whips with a view to a discussion.
That is not a reply to the question I asked. I asked do they wish to have a debate on this matter.
I am not going to allow a cross-examination.