Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 1

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 17, 18 and 19.

It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that: (1) Business shall be interrupted not later than 10.30 p.m. tonight; (2) the proceedings on the Committee and Remaining Stages of No. 17, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7 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 Health. Private Members' Business shall be No. 35, motion 50.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for the late sitting tonight agreed? Agreed.

Are the proposals for dealing with No. 17 agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

Is it proposed to initiate discussion on the Bill circulated today in regard to the division of constituencies before Christmas?

The Taoiseach

Yes, hopefully.

Mr. Spring

There are two matters which the Taoiseach can give me some guidance on. The first is that the Government Press Secretary stated on 22 September that the Estimates for next year would be published in early November. As December is now approaching, could the Taoiseach give us any update on when the Estimates might be published? Second, prior to the Taoiseach's hasty retreat to the country last July, we were discussing in this House the Shannon Estuarial Authority Bill. Will this urgently needed matter be brought back before this House?

The Taoiseach

Work on the Book of Estimates is well advanced and it will be published very soon, in about eight or nine days time, in time to be discussed in the House before we rise. It will be a nice little Christmas present for the Deputy. In regard to the other matter, it will certainly not be in this session. I will update the Deputy on that.

Proinsias De Rossa

Does the Taoiseach propose to make time available this week for statements on the outcome of the CSCE meeting earlier last week? Will he also indicate to the House what study has been made of the impact on Ireland of a decision which may be taken by the Security Council on the use of force against Iraq, what implications that would have for the role of this Parliament and what commitments it would involve Ireland in?

The Taoiseach

First, I will be reporting to the House tomorrow at 3.45 p.m. on the CSCE Conference. Second, it is too early as yet to speculate as to what form the UN Resolution will take, but as of now I would not accept that it will have any particular implications for us.

Proinsias De Rossa

Let me suggest to the Taoiseach that if the UN Security Council pass a resolution on the basis of what has been promoted by the United States, the United Nations will therefore be committed to taking military action at some point in the future and, as a member of the United Nations, we would clearly have obligations as a result of that. Second, there is also an obligation on this House to approve or otherwise any military action that our Defence Forces might be involved in and any assistance which we might give to states which are going to war. It is a serious matter which the Taoiseach should report to the House on.

The Taoiseach

In due course.

Mr. J. Bruton

Arising from that matter can the Taoiseach indicate if he proposes to appoint a separate Minister for Defence this week?

The Taoiseach

The Deputy will have to wait and see.

Mr. Spring

Will the Taoiseach be seeking time in this House tomorrow to make announcements in relation to Cabinet changes?

The Taoiseach

Not today.

Mr. Spring

Tomorrow?

Mr. J. Mitchell

Can I seek an assurance on behalf of certain Ministers of the Government that the present Minister for the Environment will not be promoting the constituency changes?

The Taoiseach

Flippancy at least is a welcome relief from the Deputy's normal aggressiveness.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

Unfortunately he polluted the environment.

Mr. McCartan

In the wake of a very unsatisfactory arrangement in the answering of questions by the Minister for Justice and Communications today, when will the motion on the separating of those two Departments at Question Time be moved? It was indicated and agreed that it would be moved last week. What is the difficulty?

The Taoiseach

I agree with the Deputy. The present arrangement is very unsatisfactory and unfair to a number of Deputies and I would be anxious to have this separation brought about so that the Gaeltacht and Defence can take their normal place, but unfortunately the proposal ran into some difficulties. I understand it was agreed and then agreement was withdrawn.

Mr. McCartan

It is because your Whip has not advised me, as Whip for The Worker's Party. The last information we had was that it would be moved last week in time for today. We had two questions on Communications and one on Justice answered in ordinary time. Can the Taoiseach indicate where the difficulty is?

The Taoiseach

I am afraid the currents ran awry. Certain channels broke down.

Mr. Spring

It was not over here.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

There was a sharp corner attempted by the Taoiseach, and he knows it well.

Mr. Cotter

May I ask a question about matters which impinge on national security?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

No, you may not.

Mr. Cotter

It is very urgent.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That does not make it relevant to the Order of Business. I am calling item No. 17.