Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Mar 1986

Vol. 364 No. 11

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 18 and 19.

By agreement, the Dáil shall sit later than 5 p.m. today and not later than 8.30 p.m. and Business shall be interrupted at 8 p.m.

Also by agreement the sitting of the House shall be suspended from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. Also by agreement, the proceedings on the Second Stage of No. 18 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 5.30 p.m. today and the Minister for Justice shall be called on to conclude not later than 5 p.m. Also by agreement, statements on the Common Agricultural Policy will be made between 5.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. today subject to:

(1) No Member shall make more than one statement with the exception of the Minister for Agriculture

(2) The statements of the opening speaker for the Government and the main Opposition Party shall not exceed 25 minutes respectively,

(3) The statement of each subsequent speaker shall not exceed ten minutes,

(4) The Minister for Agriculture shall be called on to conclude not later than 7.50 p.m.

Also by agreement, the Dáil shall meet at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is there agreement for the late sitting today? Agreed. Is there agreement that there will be a sos today from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.? Agreed. Are the arrangements for the conclusion of item No. 18 agreed? Agreed. Are the arrangements for statements agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that the Dáil shall sit tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and adjourn at 4 p.m.? Agreed.

Mr. Wilson

Would the Taoiseach like to say when legislation will come before the House for the provision of equity for the purchase of a new fleet by Aer Lingus?

An Ceann Comhairle

I do not think that arises on the Order of Business.

Mr. Wilson

Legislation is necessary.

An Ceann Comhairle

Has it been promised?

Mr. Wilson

Yes.

Mr. Haughey

It was promised by the handlers which is the only promise that matters.

The Taoiseach

That question was not considered by the Government and it is not clear whether such legislation will be necessary.

Mr. Prendergast

Will the Minister explain under what circumstances an alleged international criminal gained access to this country with his entourage?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not in order at this time. The Deputy is out of order and he should resume his seat.

Mr. Prendergast

He was deported from America and refused admission to other EC countries. He stayed here under guard for 11 days. I would welcome an answer from the Minister on that.

Dr. Woods

I should like to remind the Deputy that since the matter was not urgent when that individual was here it is hardly urgent now that he has gone. We tried to raise a question about that earlier. Will the Taoiseach tell the House when the intoxicating liquor Bill which the Government have promised to extend opening hours is due? Government proposals in regard to this have been made in the media on numerous occasions.

The Taoiseach

After Easter.

Dr. Woods

There will be a long time after Easter.

The Taoiseach

Not long enough.

Dr. Woods

We were told early last year that this legislation would be introduced. Will the Taoiseach tell the House if it is likely to be introduced soon after Easter because it will have implications for the summer season?

The Taoiseach

The intention is to introduce it shortly after Easter.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Is the Taoiseach aware of the concern in the Garda Síochána over the larceny of a car from his home as reported in the newspapers?

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise in this way.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Is the Taoiseach satisfied that a larceny did take place or an unauthorised taking of his car?

An Ceann Comhairle

Will the Deputy sit down, please?

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Will the Taoiseach state if a member of his family was involved in the incident and if he concerned about the fact that a senior member of the Garda Síochána was wrongly transferred in connection with the case?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should resume his seat and I should like to remind him that there will be statements this evening on agriculture.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

Does the Taoiseach know that members of the Garda Síochána were asked to falsify the facts surrounding the incident?

An Ceann Comhairle

I am ordering the Deputy to resume his seat.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

It is only right that the Taoiseach should clarify the position in the House. I have a file on this.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is not in order in raising the matter in this way.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

This is causing grave concern within the community.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will have to find another way of raising it.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

What other way?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should not argue with the Chair.

Mr. E. O'Keeffe

I have a file on the matter.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am warning the Deputy. I will invoke Standing Orders if the Deputy does not obey the Chair.

Mr. Durkan

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question Nos. 49 and 164 on the Order Paper for yesterday, March 19.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.

Mr. G. Mitchell

I should like to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the legislation to create the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.