Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 2

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take Nos. 15 and 16. It is further proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: 1. The Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and adjourn not later than 4.00 p.m. 2. Statements shall be made tomorrow on the European Council Meeting in Birmingham and the following arrangements shall apply:

(i) The statements of the Taoiseach and of a spokesperson nominated by Fine Gael and of a spokesperson nominated by the Labour Party shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case.

(ii) The statement of a spokesperson nominated by the Democratic Left shall not exceed 15 minutes.

3. On the conclusion of statements on the European Council Meeting in Birmingham, statements shall be made on the Special Report of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies and related matters and the following arrangements shall apply:

(i) The statement of the chairman of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies and of the main spokespersons nominated by Fine Gael and Labour shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case.

(ii) The statement of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes.

(iii) The Minister for Finance shall be called upon not later than 3.30 p.m. to make a statement in reply not exceeding 30 minutes.

4. Notwithstanding the Resolution of the Dáil of 21st October, 1992, the Dáil shall sit until 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 October 1992, whereupon it shall adjourn forthwith.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is item No. 1 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with statements on the European Council in Birmingham satisfactory?

Mr. Garland

I must again make the point that I and the other Independent Deputies in this House are refused the right to speak on this important matter. There are five Independent Deputies. Another party with six Deputies has rights. They should have those rights but we should have them also.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have to say that the Chair concurs with the Deputy. Is this proposal agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with statements on the Special Report of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-sponsored Bodies agreed? Agreed. Is there agreement on the last matter, that the Dáil shall sit until 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 October, whereupon it shall adjourn?

Proinsias De Rossa

Before we agree to this matter, can the Taoiseach confirm that the additional two hours will be spent dealing with the referendum Bill?

The Taoiseach

That is correct.

Mr. McCartan

Will there be time available to table amendments to the Bill?

The Taoiseach

Yes.

Mr. McCartan

I refer particularly to amendments to deal with the very divisive title proposed in relation to the substantive issue.

The Taoiseach

It is not divisive. Only the Deputy thinks so.

Mr. J. Bruton

When will the Government come before the House with legislation to allow either private or public equity to be put into Aer Lingus to save jobs there in view of the fact that up to £30 million a year in interest is causing the loss of jobs in that company——

An Ceann Comhairle

We had this on the Adjournment this morning. I had ruled yesterday morning that it is not in order now. We have debated this matter.

Mr. J. Bruton

——and that the bulk of the losses are due to interest payments?

(Interruptions.)

Mr. J. Bruton

I am inquiring as regards legislation.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Bruton——

Mr. J. Bruton

We must have legislation if these jobs are to be saved.

An Ceann Comhairle

——the Chair permitted this matter to be raised on the Adjournment this morning.

Mr. J. Bruton

Legislation is necessary, if these jobs are to be saved, to allow equity to be injected——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has made his point. I am now calling on Deputy Spring.

Mr. J. Bruton

——either from a public or private source. Why can the Minister make no decision on this matter? Surely the jobs of these people are more important than any jobs he may be hoping for?

An Ceann Comhairle

I have called Deputy Dick Spring.

Mr. J. Bruton

Why is the Minister not——

(Interruptions.)

Deputies

Out of order.

An Ceann Comhairle

Please Deputy Bruton, desist.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

On a point of order, surely——

An Ceann Comhairle

I have called Deputy Spring. There is no need for disorder on this issue.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

That is why I want to raise a point of order.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair has been most considerate in respect of the matter raised by Deputy Bruton and it was debated in this House a few hours ago.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

The Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Bruton, is obviously very concerned and wants to raise this issue by way of questioning the Taoiseach as to whether he will introduce legislation.

Deputies

Out of order, out of order.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am sorry, it is not in order.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

Is it not in order——

An Ceann Comhairle

No, Deputy.

Mr. Cowen

The Deputy is bluffing.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

——for the Leader of the Opposition to raise with the Taoiseach the question of the introduction of legislation?

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

No, Deputy, only if the legislation has been promised in this House.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

If it has not been promised it should be promised now.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

Please, Deputy, I will hear no further about it. Deputy Spring.

Mr. Spring

I thank you for your perseverance in giving me some space.

A Deputy

Hear, hear.

Mr. Spring

I am seeking some clarification from the Taoiseach. I am sure that by now the Taoiseach is aware that a senior counsel for the State at the tribunal recently made a statement to the effect that the tribunal is the same as an East European show trial. Could I have some clarification from the Taoiseach as to whether that was representing the view of the Taoiseach or the Government, or will the Taoiseach take the opportunity now to state that this is not the view of the State?

An Ceann Comhairle

This is surely not relevant now.

Mr. Spring

The tribunal was set up by the State.

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us not intrude into the Beef Tribunal. Let there be no reference to that tribunal.

Mr. Spring

With due respect, an outrageous statement was made by senior counsel on behalf of the Taoiseach and the State. It should be withdrawn by the Government at the earliest opportunity.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a matter for the tribunal.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Cowen

Watch your language.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Spring

I am trying to get an answer from the Taoiseach.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Harte

May I be allowed to ask the Taoiseach if he will avail of the opportunity tomorrow, when dealing with the report on the meeting in Birmingham, to explain to Border traders what he proposes to do to protect them, because the Government——

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Harte, this is not in order now.

Mr. Harte

Excuse me, the Government have not availed of this opportunity over the last few days. Will the Taoiseach tell the Border traders what he is doing to protect them.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

Nothing.

(Interruptions.)