It is proposed to take Nos. 11 and 10. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, and subject to the agreement of the House that: (1) No. 11 shall be decided without debate; (2) In the debate on No. 10, the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 4.45 p.m. and (3) The Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m.
Order of Business.
I must now ask if the proposal that item No. 11 be taken without debate is satisfactory and agreed. Agreed. In respect of the debate on No. 10, are the proposals for dealing with it agreed? Agreed. In respect of the proposals for tomorrow's sitting, is that agreed? Agreed.
In the last few days the Taoiseach has indicated that the extension of the powers of the European Affairs Committee requires legislation. At least he has said that that committee is itself established under legislation. Has the Taoiseach decided that it is not possible to give the committee the extra powers in advance of the legislation, or must the legislation first be introduced before the committee can be given the powers suggested for it under the joint programme? In view of that, let me ask the Taoiseach when the legislation will actually be introduced?
I do not think there is any particular objection to the committee exercising these functions in advance of legislation but, as the committee was established by legislation, it would be totally desirable that any addition to or expansion of its functions should also be made by legislation. It is the intention of the Government to bring in legislation as soon as possible.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that the most speedy and effective method of proceeding with this matter would be to introduce a resolution in the House granting the committee the extra powers and then subsequently introducing confirmatory legislation? Would the Taoiseach agree to follow that course in view of the urgent necessity of ensuring that preparations for Maastricht, for example, involve this House effectively through the committee in question?
This should not give rise to discussion now.
I am asking a very simple question.
I am having that examined.
Will the Taoiseach arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to call in the Turkish ambassador to protest at the treatment meted out to so many of our citizens in Turkey yesterday, to indicate our total disapproval and seek guarantees that if our players and supporters go to Turkey again that there will be no repetition?
Deputy O'Keeffe, this matter should be raised at a more appropriate time. It is a serious matter concerning a country with which we have diplomatic relations and it should be raised in a more solemn manner.
I understand, but I have been asked to raise this and I believe the Minister should do it today.
I am proceeding to item No. 11, the introduction of Supplementary Estimates.