Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Friday, 11 Dec 1987

Vol. 376 No. 8

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 13.

It is also proposed that the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the Supplementary Estimates being taken today:

(a) Votes 7, 13, 14, 29, 38 and 44 shall be taken without debate.

(b) The proceedings on the remaining Votes shall be brought to a conclusion as follows: Vote 47 not later than 11.30 p.m.; Vote 51 not later than 12.30 p.m.; Vote 37 not later than 1.30 p.m.; Vote 32 not later than 2.30 p.m.; Vote 46 not later than 3.30 p.m.; Vote 40 not later than 4.30 p.m.

(c) The speech of the Minister moving the Votes and any other speakers shall not exceed ten minutes,

(d) If a Division is challenged on any Estimate today, the taking of such Division shall be postponed until 3.45 p.m. on Wednesday, 16 December 1987.

An Ceann Comhairle

Are the various arrangements for the taking of these Supplementary and Additional Estimates for today agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Spring

May I take this opportunity to ask the Taoiseach if he will afford this House an opportunity to discuss next week, before the recess, the OECD report published yesterday which has obvious implications for this country for the next 12 months to two years? Could the Taoiseach arrange to have a short discussion in the House on the implication of that report next week?

The Taoiseach

I would certainly have no objection whatever to doing so, but it is just a question of timing. I would be quite happy to have the Whips discuss whether it could be fitted in or not. In the meantime, perhaps the Deputy would give himself an opportunity to read my speech last night at the Fianna Fáil dinner.

Mr. Quinn

Is it better than the report?

Dr. Woods

It is.

Mr. Stagg

On the Order of Business, I refer to the Taoiseach's reply to me of a few days ago when he said the Government had no intention of introducing legislation concerning charges for local services. Arising from press reports and statements by Ministers concerning the possibility of a reintroduction of rates or property tax, could the Taoiseach indicate if the Government, in fact, have an intention of introducing such legislation?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will have to find another opportunity to raise that matter.

Mr. Stagg

I am asking if there is an intention of introducing legislation in relation to the areas covered by recent speeches by Ministers.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am not aware that such legislation has been promised.

Mr. Stagg

I thought it had been denied. It has been raised. It is in the press this morning and was also last night. Ministers were quoted on the issue. I am asking if the Taoiseach will inform the House if it is the Government's intention to bring forward such legislation.

Mr. Dukes

Is it simply another kite from a Government agency?

The Taoiseach

It is away above my head.

Mr. Dukes

Kites usually are.

Mr. Stagg

I presume that the Taoiseach is saying no.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am proceeding to deal with——

Mr. Stagg

I am asking the Taoiseach to say no if the answer is no.

An Ceann Comhairle

May I advise Members that we should be concerned not to erode unduly the rather limited time available for dealing with the various Estimates. The House will recollect that we are obliged to finalise Vote 47 not later than 11.30 a.m.

Mr. Quinn

May I ask the Minister for Labour, through you, Sir, if he would issue a new statement clarifying the position in relation to the Christmas bonuses for AnCO and CERT trainees, because there is widespread anxiety? I am taking this opportunity in as orderly a way as possible to advise the Minister that, contrary to the impression conveyed by him that all trainees are getting Christmas bonuses——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has made his point. It may not be pursued now.

Mr. Quinn

In fairness to the people who thought they would get Christmas bonuses.

Mr. Sheehan

Would the Taoiseach or the Minister for Agriculture and Food give a statement to the House as to why the committees of agriculture are being abolished?

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy, that Estimate will be discussed.

Mr. Sheehan

A Cheann Comhairle, would you not agree——

An Ceann Comhairle

I have already appealed to Members——

Mr. Sheehan

——that a reason should be given to the public representatives?

An Ceann Comhairle

——not to erode the time available to us this morning for Estimates. The Deputy will doubtless have another opportunity to raise that matter.

The Taoiseach

Skibbereen to Cork.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Sheehan, please resume your seat and allow the business of this House to proceed in an orderly fashion.