It is proposed to take numbers, 13, 14 and 15.
Order of Business.
I realise, Sir, that all of us, in our capacity as Leaders of our respective parties, will be making statements to the media this morning in regard to political events on the other side of the Irish Sea and I think it is appropriate that if anything is to be said by us it should be said here in the House first. I appreciate that the Taoiseach wishes — and I think he is right — to make a more considered reference to this matter after Question Time, and I think he deserves and as somebody who has been as involved as he has with the British Prime Minister, should have the time to say something deliberate and considered. That reference is intended purely in a complimentary sense, not in any other sense.
I would like however, to avail of this opportunity to say something brief. I will, of course, respond to the Taoiseach later.
I must intervene to say that the matter to which the Deputy seems to be adverting is not relevant to the Order of Business.
We can understand his concern for a fellow Conservative Leader.
I fail to see how it can be relevant.
My concern simply was that anything that was said should be said in the House first, but if that is not orderly and if I find myself in conflict with you, Sir, I would not wish to pursue the matter.
At the appropriate time, certainly, it can be pursued.
Of course this is a matter of great significance to us in this House and I would like to suggest that we allot some time after Questions today for statements by party leaders.
I agree to that.
I certainly welcome that opportunity, a Cheann Comhairle. Perhaps the Taoiseach might be thinking of introducing a party leaders' protection Bill which might be introduced today.
Do you want protection?
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Cowen has a long time to go before he comes down those benches. On a serious note, will the Taoiseach be meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the near future to discuss the very serious events taking place in Northern Ireland?
The answer is——
This is not strictly in order.
——that a meeting is scheduled and I have an engagement on Monday at which the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will also be present. I am not sure how recent events will affect that.
I am amazed at the concern of the House because the British Prime Minister has resigned. Thatcher has not died but we hope Thatcherism has died. She just resigned. What is the fuss about? Why should we be discussing the matter here in this House?
Hear, hear.
(Interruptions.)
In regard to legislation promised and long outstanding, when will the draft of the Solicitor's (Amendment) Bill be circulated? The Taoiseach will be aware that this has been in abeyance for quite a considerable period awaiting consideration of the Fair Trade Commission's Report. I understand that that has been with the Minister for Justice for some time and we are anxious to see a Solicitor's (Amendment) Bill and wonder when it might be in circulation.
I cannot give the Deputy a date at this stage. It is at an advanced stage of consideration in the Departments involved.
Is it likely to be this session, can the Taoiseach say?
I do not think so, and while I am on my feet perhaps I could deal with the question raised by Deputy Bruton yesterday on the Order of Business concerning the Department of Education. The position is that the situation is not satisfactory. The Department continue to operate under a hotch potch of legislation going back as far as 1878. The Department are examining the whole matter and will probably prepare a White Paper on the basis of which a new comprehensive education Act will be brought forward.
That is very welcome news. Let me further say that in order to incite the Government to further action on the matter my party will also be producing an education Act.
What plans does the Minister for Labour have to resolve the strike at RTE?
(Interruptions.)
Would the Taoiseach, when making new appointments to the Government, consider appointing a Minister with special responsibility for housing since the present Minister for the Environment does not seem——
I thought the Deputy had something relevant to raise.
It is relevant.
It is not relevant now, Deputy.
There was agreement yesterday on the rescheduling of questions with regard to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Communications — that they be taken on separate dates. I understood that that motion was to be moved this morning. I wonder when it will be moved. Could the Taoiseach indicate if this is an indication that in time he intends to appoint separate Ministers for Justice and Communications?
Not exactly, but I am always courteous, co-operative and helpful. The position of questions is that I think it would be desirable to make the change because the present position is unfair to a large number of Deputies in the matter of priority. It was hoped to take the matter this morning but there were some little disagreements about it. All these matters should preferably be dealt with on the basis of agreement, and I will ask the Whips to see if they can come to a conclusion on it.
By taking the questions on separate days, does that mean we will have separate Ministers in time?
The Taoiseach might take over communications himself.
The Deputy must not trespass on these areas.
Without wishing to trespass, could I ask, on behalf of the House and perhaps on behalf of the Fianna Fáil backbenchers who may not want to ask, when does the Taoiseach propose to appoint a Minister for Defence?
There is no question——
Perhaps that is a matter for another occasion.
Is the Taoiseach going to retain the portfolio indefinitely?
Deputy Eric Byrne is offering.
With the approach of Christmas and the resulting pressure on low income families and social welfare recipients to use the service of moneylenders, will the Minister or the Taoiseach say when it is intended to implement the EC Directive on Consumer Credit 87/102, given the shocking case reported in today's papers where interest charges of over 700 per cent——
Deputy Byrne, that is not relevant now. You might pursue the matter in another way.
Is it intended——
Deputy Byrne, you may not persist.
Legislation has been promised.
Is there legislation promised in this area?
The Minister is——
Deputy Byrne, I must insist that you resume your seat.
On a point of order, my understanding is that the Government promised to introduce a law to update the Moneylenders Act. I understand that is the issue Deputy Byrne is pursuing.
My understanding and recollection is that no legislation was promised in this House in accordance with the normal requirement.
No later than last week the Taoiseach indicated to the House that he would be in a position to publish the amendments to the Fisheries Act, 1987, very soon. Could I ask the Taoiseach how soon is "soon"?
I could give a number of different answers to that, but I assure the Deputy that it is proposed to take it as soon as the parliamentary programme permits.
In view of the frightening examples on a daily basis of child neglect and abuse, I would like an assurance from the Taoiseach that it is proposed to complete the Report and Final Stages of the Child Care Bill before Christmas.
Yes.
Could the Taoiseach indicate when he proposes to bring the new constituency Bill before the House?
The answer is the same as that I gave in reply to the Deputy's distinguished colleague on the Front Bench — very soon, and I hope it will be totally satisfactory from the Deputy's point of view.
Time could be running out. Who has gone already?
When do the Government intend to introduce the Colleges Bill? Is it intended to introduce it before Christmas?
I will communicate with the Deputy. It is in the process but I am not sure exactly at what stage it is at the moment.
At a full stop.
When is it intended to introduce legislation to establish a national milk purchasing agency? This legislation has been promised every session and we have heard nothing from the Minister for Agriculture and Food yet.
Perhaps the Deputy might raise the matter in another way.
It is promised legislation.
It is not immediately imminent.
The many people concerned would be interested to know.