Will the Tánaiste indicate when the promised legislation to control health agency expenditure, including the indebtedness level of health boards, is to be introduced in view of the fact that recently the House has been made aware of substantial overruns in the health area this year? I am sure the House will wish to ensure that the expenditure was on a properly planned basis with fair geographic distribution.
Order of Business (Resumed).
I understand consultations are taking place at the moment. As this is a very important question it is important to have detailed consultations.
When would it come in?
The Deputy cannot tie me to a date.
I seek some information from the Tánaiste. I believe this House is adjourning tomorrow for a considerable time and I am not sure when it is going to resume, if it is going to resume. The Tánaiste as well as every Member of this House is aware that a High Court action is taking place in relation to the taking of evidence at the Beef Tribunal. Perhaps the Government at their meeting tomorrow will consider this situation of having this House resume in the event of the High Court or Supreme Court making certain decisions in relation to proceedings at the Beef Tribunal. In saying this, I am not setting a precedent. As Members of this House well know, this House was recalled for emergency session in relation to the beef industry.
I have allowed Deputy Spring some latitude. I am not clear as to whether it is appropriate to the Order of Business, but I think what he said ought to be sufficient.
(Interruptions.)
I will conclude. Time will tell.
There is huge public concern about expenditure of £20 million. It is ridiculous.
(Interruptions.)
There is a Cabinet trying to sabotage the workings of the tribunal and the Progressive Democrats agreed with this action.
I am asking that the Government give consideration to this House resuming in the event of the Beef Tribunal——
I think the Deputy has made his point and, let me repeat, the matter to which he is adverting is sub judice. We should be very careful. While this House set up the tribunal, we may not interfere with its proceedings.
The substantive question from the Leader of the Labour Party is about the Adjournment of the House. That will be announced tomorrow as is our custom. Ná déan nós, ná bris nós.
I thank the Taoiseach, through the Tánaiste, for the information supplied in answer to my question yesterday about the schedule of business in the area of law reform. However, let me ask the Tánaiste, in view of the information supplied to me now that it is not anticipated that any of the Bills in the Programme for Government will be published before the end of this year, if not at the beginning of next year, why the Minister for Justice has been making statements to the effect that we are going to deal with the confiscation of property of criminals as a matter of urgency, and about the family home legislation? The information now to hand is that that legislation, in the case of either of them, will not see the light of day until well towards the end of this year if not next year.
I have not had the privilege of correspondence from the Taoiseach that the Deputy has, as I was absent for a few days.
That problem is also being examined in Dublin Castle.
From my knowledge of him, I have the greatest confidence in the Minister for Justice to prepare and present legislation to this House with all possible haste.
And this year.
It is promised legislation.
Please Deputy, let us not forget that which is in order at this stage.
Sir, I wish to put a question to you. Approximately 18 months ago the Chair very kindly allowed me to raise on the Adjournment the way in which the US embassy were dealing with visa applications. Following that, it was agreed that if Members gave personal guarantees, visas would in most cases be issued. I read in today's newspapers where some Members——
Deputy, this is clearly not in order now.
May I request the Chair to call a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to investigate the allegation that some Members have abused this privilege and, as a result, we will all suffer?
The Deputy might avail of that procedure, as there are many Members of his party on that committee. The matter can be put down for consideration there.
I am not a member of that committee so I am asking you, as chairman, to raise this matter.
Many members of your party are on that committee.
It is about time this matter was investigated. I do not see why everybody should suffer because of a few.
Will the Tánaiste indicate the position of the Road Traffic Bill? The Minister for the Environment has held two press conferences at which he promised to impound uninsured vehicles and to introduce tighter drink driving measures. This Bill was included in the list of legislation to be taken this session, but it has not been published. Will the Tánaiste outline whether the Government have approved the Bill; when it will be published and when it will be taken?
The text of the Bill is being drafted and it has an urgent tag on it.
Next year?