It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 8a — on the Supplementary Order Paper — 21 and 22. By agreement the Dáil will sit later than 9 p.m. and not later than 11.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted at 11 p.m. Also, by agreement, No. 8a. on the Supplementary Order Paper shall be taken without debate and the proceedings of the remaining Stages of No. 21 will be brought to a conclusion not later than 11 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall in relation to amendments include only amendments set down by the Minister for the Environment. Private Members' Business shall be No. 48, motion 79.
Order of Business.
Will the Taoiseach say why he and his Government have allowed the management of the Irish Sugar Company to transfer to Cavan beet from the Tuam sugar factory where there are ample supplies of beet for at least two more weeks?
Is the Deputy asking if he can raise this Question on the Adjournment?
I am asking the Taoiseach.
It does not arise here.
Then, I would like to raise it on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Is it proposed to complete all Stages of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill before the Christmas recess?
I do not know if that will be possible. There have been arrangements between the Whips to try to sort out the business and I am not sure whether that will be feasible.
The Taoiseach is aware of the considerable concern about how long it is taking for this Bill to progress through the House. Homelessness is an urgent problem so I would appreciate whatever could be done to ensure that this Bill is completed.
I share the Deputy's concern. In agreeing the business we have to take account of the views of the Opposition as to how the time might be allocated. I am sure the Opposition would also like to see this Bill processed if at all possible but the arrangements which have been worked out make it difficult to get everything through. If anything can be done between the two sides to get that Bill through I will be happy.
Will the Government allow time to debate the Oireachtas and Ministerial Pensions Bill, 1986, in view of the announcement in last Friday's newspapers to the effect that the Government had made a decision to cover all the matters in the Bill plus——
The Deputy cannot make a speech.
As it now seems to have been adopted as Government policy, will they facilitate its passage before the Christmas recess?
The Deputy shows an extraordinary belief in what he reads in the newspapers, for someone so long in politics.
(Interruptions.)
Do the Government not agree to these proposals?
I will not allow a debate on this matter.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the 4p increase on the pint of Guinness.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
In case there is any misunderstanding about the view of the Opposition on the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, I wish to remind the Taoiseach that I raised this matter on a number of occasions on the Order of Business. We are very anxious to ensure that that legislation is passed quickly.