It is proposed to take Nos. 7, 18, 1 and 4. Private Members' Business shall be No. 29. It is proposed that the Second Stage of No. 29 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 8.30 p.m. and the concluding speaker shall be called not later than 8.10 p.m.
Order of Business.
Are the proposals in relation to Item No. 29 agreed? Agreed.
Does the Taoiseach intend to have a statement made in the House on the outcome of yesterday's meeting under the Anglo-Irish Agreement?
(Limerick East): This type of question was always replied to previously.
I hate to nonplus you in that manner, a Cheann Comhairle, but I am asking if the Taoiseach wishes to make an arrangement to have a statement made in the House.
My recollection is that no such statements were made on previous occasions. The communiqué issued is the relevant statement.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that of all the communiqué issued after such meetings, the communiqué issued yesterday was possibly the most uncommunicative we have ever seen? It reminds me of a definition of the perfect reply to a parliamentary question attributed to the late Seán Lemass which was that it is short, accurate and gives no new information. Could the Taoiseach not give a little more information on foot of that communiqué?
Will the Taoiseach inform the House whether he has been in receipt of reports from the Ambassador in London in relation to the progress of the Birmingham Six appeal? Are the Taoiseach and the Government satisfied that, given the complex legal matters involved in this trial, the Ambassador needs assistance? Will the Taoiseach consider discussing with the Attorney General sending appropriate counsel to sit in on this trial?
This hardly arises now.
It is a very important matter.
When does the Taoiseach propose to announce to the House the Government's consideration of the Extradition Act, 1987, and its coming into effect——
It does not arise now.
Well, it could arise——
There are ample ways and means of raising such matters in this House.
When will the House be informed of the Government's view in relation to this matter? That is a simple question. I do not know why it does not deserve the courtesy of a reply.
It is also worthy of a particular question.
It is a matter to be arranged by the Whips.
When does the Taoiseach think the Whips will allow him to make a statement on this matter?
(Interruptions.)
I should like to protest at the refusal of the Taoiseach to condemn Colonel Gadaffi——
The Deputy must be aware that she is taking licence on the Order of Business to which she is not entitled.
Why has the Taoiseach refused to meet a deputation from the ICMSA? Does he feel they have nothing to offer——
The Deputy should put down a question about that matter.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 7 on last Thursday addressed to the Minister for Agriculture and Food wherein he confirmed to the House that no contribution will be made in 1988 towards the world food programme.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Limerick East): I gave you prior notice that I would raise an item under Standing Order 30 and, with your permission, I should like to raise it now.
Deputy Noonan gave me notice this morning that he wished to raise this matter under Standing Order 30. Having considered the matter, I am satisfied it does not have the requisite degree of urgency contemplated by the Standing Order in question and, therefore, I cannot allow it.
(Limerick East): On a point of order, as I understand the Standing Order, I am obliged to give you prior notice of my intention to raise the matter in the House. I then raise it and the Ceann Comhairle rules. As you are ruling before I raise the matter, I should like permission to raise it.
I considered the matter since you submitted it——
(Limerick East): On a point of order, that is not what is envisaged under the Standing Order.
I stated in the House——
(Limerick East): You have not heard the matter. As I understand the Standing Order, I raise the matter after giving you prior notice and then you rule on it.
I have ruled on the matter that it does not have the desired degree of urgency contemplated by the Standing Order.
(Limerick East): As the Standing Order is drafted, I am entitled to bring it before the House provided I give you prior notice. I did that and I am now asking for permission to raise it.
I have ruled on the matter.
(Limerick East): You cannot rule on the matter before it is raised.
By all means, raise the matter.
(Limerick East): I hereby give notice under the provisions of Standing Order 30 (1) of my intention to request leave to move a motion for the Adjournment of the Dáil for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent consideration: the unprecedented arrangement contemplated by the Government to use £120 million of accumulated profits and reserves of the Central Bank to fund redundancy schemes in the public service which should properly be funded under normal Government financial arrangements.
As I said earlier, I am satisfied that the matter raised does not have the requisite degree of urgency contemplated by the Standing Order in question and, therefore, I cannot allow the motion.
(Limerick East): On a point of order, I am sure the Ceann Comhairle is aware that it is impossible to discuss adequately the cuts in primary education, the public service pay agreement, the cuts in AFT and ACOT without knowing where the redundancy element of the package will come from. It is impossible to continue a debate in this House until we get information on the redundancy package. I tried to raise it by question but I did not get an answer, merely a formula of words which evaded the question.
The Chair is completely satisfied about his ruling in this matter.
(Limerick East): I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Arising from the Order of Business regarding item No. 29, as you said earlier, there will be a vote at the end of Second Stage at 8.30 p.m. this evening. I should like to ask the Taoiseach and the Government if it is their intention to send a money certificate to the House so that this Bill can proceed to Committee and other Stages.
I did not hear the question.
There is a vote on the Second Stage of the Private Members' Bill tonight at 8.30 p.m. If the Government are defeated, will they send a money certificate to the House in order that the Bill can proceed to Committee and other Stages?
This is an opportunity for the Government to show generosity.
Perhaps the matter can be clarified tonight when we resume on that subject matter.
When does the Taoiseach propose to provide time to take Item No. 14 on the Order Paper which provides for information to be given on consumer credit in regard to the rates of interest, as the order has been before the House since 31 March last?
I have referred the matter to the Whips.
This matter has been before the Whips for the last six months and obviously the Taoiseach has control over the ordering of business.
I do not agree.
Why does the Taoiseach not consider this matter to be important considering that so many people are being ripped off in the area of consumer credit?
(Limerick East): Is the Taoiseach thinking of throwing in the towel?
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 21 on Thursday last to the Minister for Agriculture and Food concerning the reduction in funding and redundancies in AFT and ACOT about which the Minister gave misleading information in his reply.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the truth of assurances given by public officials to unemployed persons in County Meath that they would be no worse off taking up the Jobsearch programme in the light of the fact that they do not now qualify for the Christmas bonus and for free fuel vouchers while those who did not go on this programme qualify for such benefits.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the decision of the Minister for Justice to suspend the valuable activities of the juvenile liaison officers and other officers involved in crime prevention at weekends.
I will communicate with the Deputy.