It is proposed to take item No. 14.
Order of Business.
I understand the Taoiseach had some interesting things to say to the party faithful last night in relation to electoral reform, single seat constituencies, list systems and so on. Would he say whether and when he proposes to introduce a Bill in the House in relation to electoral reform.
Is legislation promised in this area?
It is threatened.
Do I take it that there are no promises of electoral reform, that the Taoiseach was merely sharing thoughts with the party faithful without actually making any promises?
Doubtless we shall hear more about this.
I like the phrase "party faithful". It appeals to me.
It is a pity the Taoiseach does not appeal to them.
(Interruptions.)
In view of the fact that the Taoiseach indicated to me in the House some weeks ago at Question Time that he had no plans to change the Constitution or to study the need for changes therein, can he now tell the House what are his views on the electoral system in view of the fact that he has to some extent opened his mind to a party organisation?
Deputy De Rossa, I cannot permit the Order of Business to be turned into, shall we say, a mini Question Time. That is more appropriate to Question Time proper.
I am raising the matter because the Taoiseach clearly misled the House last week——
Please, Deputy, that is not in order.
——when he replied that he had no plans to change the Constitution. While I am on my feet, a Cheann Comhairle, may I also ask the Taoiseach, if he does not propose answering that question, whether he would tell us when he proposes to publish the Estimates?
We have had that question on many occasions recently.
We have very little time left before the Christmas recess. Perhaps the Taoiseach could tell us when he proposes publishing them——
I am calling Deputy Gay Mitchell.
A Cheann Comhairle, my question is in order no matter how many times it is raised.
I have allowed the Deputy to raise the question. I cannot compel any Member of this House to speak if he or she does not want to.
The Taoiseach is anxious to reply.
Can the Taoiseach tell the House how soon the Comptroller and Auditor General legislation, which has long been promised, will be published whether he will endeavour to have it published in coming days so that we can deal with the matter before the Christmas recess?
Yes, I know the Deputy is anxious to get that legislation; so are the Government. Unfortunately, our legislative schedule has been a little bit interrupted——
By the party faithful.
No, by the misbehaviour of Deputies opposite really. But I want to assure Deputy Gay Mitchell that it is still high on our agenda of priorities.
May I remind the House this morning of the need to conserve the very little and precious time available to us to deal with the motion in respect of European affairs which must conclude at 4 o'clock this afternoon? I am aware that there are many Members wishing to participate.
Is the Taoiseach now in a position to indicate to the House when we will be adjourning before Christmas and whether he is in a position to have his Whip circulate the revised list of legislation it is proposed be taken so that we can assist the House in its orderly and expeditious work?
We hope to have a revised list available for next week. I have no particular date in mind for adjourning for the Christmas recess yet. I imagine we will follow the usual practice.
I have questions to the Taoiseach with regard to two Bills, one which has been circulated, that is the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill. Can he indicate when the debate on that Bill will be taken? My second question deals with the promise in the revised Programme for Government with regard to voting rights for emigrants, which programme, I might remind the Taoiseach, promised that an immediate paper would be submitted to Government and a decision taken on legislation before Christmas, very specific undertakings. As time is quickly elapsing——
Please, Deputy, there is no need for elaboration now.
We are running out of time in regard to this. Would the Taoiseach say whether the paper has been viewed by Government and whether a decision and-or legislation will be taken before Christmas?
We will probably take the dogs for a walk in the New Year. With regard to the second question, no legislation has been promised.
I am calling Deputy Lee.
Would the Taoiseach say whether multiple applications are being permitted for the new taxi licences?
The Deputy will have to raise that at another time. I did remind the House of the need to get on with the business of the House this morning.
In regard to the matter of voting rights for emigrants, which is very important and in respect of which I have no doubt all Members have received representations, will the Taoiseach say whether he will be making an announcement with regard to a Government decision on the matter before Christmas?
I would suggest that be the subject of a parliamentary question.
With regard to promised legislation and in view of the limited number of sitting days remaining to the end of this session, could the Taoiseach give the House an indication as to a likely date for the introduction of the social housing legislation?
Is this legislation promised?
Yes, the Housing Bill is promised. It will be considered in connection with the revised list that is being prepared.
We resume now on item No. 14.