It is proposed to take No. 12. It is also proposed that at the conclusion of business today the Dáil shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 November 1988.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal that the Dáil at the conclusion of business today shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 November 1988 agreed? Agreed.
In relation to Item No. 8 on the Order Paper, I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for equal treatment of part-time workers and to make unlawful in relation to their employment certain kinds of treatment.
Is this Bill being opposed?
It is, as it is a very unreal suggestion that we take this Bill now. Already a consultation process has been started between the Government, the Federated Union of Employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. ICTU have made a submission in the matter. The Minister for Labour has seen them and will be seeing the other partner shortly. A legitimate consultation process has already started on foot of submissions from the parties concerned. It would be very inappropriate and it would run counter to the national understanding and it might be harmful to our economic progress if this excellent relationship were to be disturbed by a premature Bill that is in fact cogged from the ICTU submission.
Since the Bill is opposed——
(Interruptions.)
Order, order. The debate is adjourned in accordance with Standing Orders until the next day on which Private Members' Business is taken.
With the permission of the Chair, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the administration of the country for the purposes of an application to the European Community for assistance under the European Structural Fund with particular regard to the exclusion of local democratic representatives throughout the country from the preparation of integrated programmes.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
In view of the singularly brilliant achievements of the Irish Para-Olympic Team in Seoul and their return tomorrow, do the Government propose to mark their return by way of a reception or other gesture?
However commendable the suggestion, it is not in order to raise that matter now.
I can assure the Deputy that we are doing something in that regard.
Is the Tánaiste certain that it will not interfere with the Programme for National Recovery?
(Interruptions.)
It is unfortunate that the Taoiseach is refusing to allow the printing and circulation of a Private Members' Bill on the protection of part-time workers.
We have passed from that matter, Deputy.
I appreciate that.
The Chair has indicated how that matter shall be processed in this House.
I seek to raise on the Adjournment today a matter which is of concern to the Programme for National Recovery, that is the situation in the Ballymun Girls' Comprehensive School where the Minister has refused to appoint adequate teaching staff for French and Home Economics.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Will the Tánaiste indicate whether there has been a change in the published Book of Estimates since last week having regard to the fact that the Minister of State for Health stated last night that he was mystified——
Deputy Howlin——
——as to where I got the GNP figures I was quoting?
This clearly does not arise on the Order of Business. The Deputy will have to find another way of adverting to that matter.
(Interruptions.)
Deputies
It is only for "Morning Ireland".
I think I am right in saying that the Deputy has some time left in the debate on the health services and that would be a more appropriate time to deal with that matter.
I appreciate the Chair's help but the point——
Deputy Howlin must resume his seat.
The point at issue——
Deputy Howlin, please. I am calling Deputy Mary Flaherty.
I would repeat my request of Tuesday last to raise on the Adjournment the anomalies which have arisen in the free fuel scheme arising out of the introduction of a national scheme which has led to people on lower incomes not receiving benefit while people on higher incomes are receiving it.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Could the Tánaiste say whether legislation will be required to introduce an emergency plan for radiological protection and, if so, when is the House likely to see it?
Is this promised legislation, because if it is not it is not in order to raise it now.
It is promised.
It will probably be in the next session.
Is Deputy Farrelly offering?
Legislation will be necessary?
It will probably be before the House during the next session.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the delayed payment of reconstruction grants. It seems that one must ring "The Gay Byrne Show" if one wants to get payment now within two days.
I will communicate with Deputy Farrelly.
I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the circumstances surrounding the controversial death of a man in Jervis Street Hospital on Sunday, 10 May 1987, and the refusal of the Minister for Health to reply to correspondence since last January. While this is my third time to ask permission to raise this matter it has not prompted the Minister to look at the file and have the courtesy to respond.
I am aware of the Deputy's concern and will communicate with him.
In connection with the Protection of Part-Time Workers (Employment) Bill, 1988, it was said that it would be taken in the next Private Members' Time. Could I seek clarification in relation to whether it will be next Wednesday on which the resumption of the debate on the Fine Gael motion will take place?
That was the expression used by the Chair.
Will it, therefore, arise next Wednesday or on the following Tuesday or Wednesday?
If there is Private Members' Business, which I doubt very much will be the case next week. It is a two day sitting.
I understand there is agreement that the resumed health care motion will be taken next Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 7.23 p.m.
That is a matter for the Whips. The Chair has no function in that regard. May we resume then on item No. 12, motion regarding the Estimates for the Public Services?