It is proposed to have statements on the European Council meeting in Birmingham and on the special report of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies and related matters.
Order of Business.
The Taoiseach expressed some views yesterday which would involve legislation on the future of Aer Lingus. Will the Taoiseach indicate if he has any plans to introduce legislation to give effect to the opinions he expressed?
(Interruptions.)
Order. I have found it necessary to indicate that the issue referred to, the crisis in Aer Lingus, is not one for the Order of Business in this House. There are procedures to conform to. Indeed, the Chair allowed this matter to be adverted to on the Adjournment this week. I further understand that a Private Members' motion has been tabled for this coming week concerning the matter of the future of Aer Lingus.
On a point of order, this promise, or indication of an intention was uttered by the Taoiseach in the precincts of this House, but not in the House——
There we are.
(Interruptions.)
It is not unreasonable to ask the Taoiseach to explain his intentions in the House rather than at these cosy chats by his fireside that he now has.
Are you jealous?
I intend to occupy that room in due course.
(Interruptions.)
The procedures for dealing with such matters will be observed——
There will be a little bit of redesigning, as I do not like the decor very much.
——and are being adhered to.
Seeing that that was out of order, maybe I could try something that is in order. I assure the Chair that my next question is without doubt entirely in order. I can produce the documentary evidence here if necessary.
In the budget of 1992 the Minister promised maternity leave for adoptive parents. I understand that the introduction of that has been delayed because the Department of Labour have failed to produce the relevant legislation. Given that we are now coming to the next budget, does the Taoiseach expect that this promise will actually be fulfilled within a year of its being made by the Minister for Finance?
It is in the course of preparation.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it should not take this long for the Department of Labour to implement a Government decision?
It should not give rise to argument now, Deputy Bruton.
I appreciate that the Chair has indicated that this matter of Aer Lingus is not in order on the Order of Business, but it is not appropriate that the Taoiseach should, outside of this House, announce that he is going to dispose of half of one of the most important companies in the nation——
Under the procedures of this House there will be nothing more——
——putting at risk not only the 1,000 jobs that are being suggested as at risk at the moment, but possibly a considerably greater number of jobs. I suggest that the Taoiseach should take an opportunity here in this House today to inform the House of what he intends to do about Aer Lingus.
The Deputy has made his point.
While taking on board the Chair's ruling on this issue, I would ask the Taoiseach, if he is not prepared to give a commitment or make a statement here this morning, will he give a commitment, notwithstanding the conflicting views of members of the Cabinet, to outline Government policy next Tuesday or Wednesday, once and for all?
I am surprised at the Deputy. I understand he has tabled a Private Member's motion in connection with this matter. He ought to await that debate.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
(Interruptions.)
Order, order. Deputy McCartan is offering. Deputy Ryan, you will resume your seat?
I am asking the Taoiseach will he take an opportunity to make known his view?
Will the Taoiseach clarify something with which he dealt on the Order of Business, and confirm that before 3 December the Government will publish their proposed legislation in the area of information in the context of the Fourteenth Amendment?
Legislation is in the course of preparation.
That was not the question. I ask the Taoiseach, in the spirit of this open Government he talks about, to make some effort to answer questions asked on the Order of Business.
(Interruptions.)
My question was if the Taoiseach proposes to publish legislation in draft form before 3 December. Could I help the Taoiseach by suggesting that the answer is either yes or no?
I cannot countenance repetition and argument of this kind.
I am not asking for repetition. I am asking for clarification. Will the Taoiseach answer yes or no?
While I fear the wrath of the Chair, could I ask the Taoiseach to confirm if legislation is required for the announcement he made yesterday and the announcement which the Minister made on Aer Lingus——
I thought the Deputy had something relevant to raise.
——and if so would he recognise the urgency of such measures?
(Interruptions.)
It seems that certain people have no regard for the views of the Chair in this House. Deputy Richard Bruton.
If 1,000 jobs were to be lost in the Taoiseach's constituency——
(Interruptions.)
Order. Deputy Richard Bruton has been called.
——and not in the general area of North Dublin, the Taoiseach would be in there making a personal statement.
The Deputy is not in order. Deputy Owen, please resume your seat.
(Interruptions.)
I want to ask the Taoiseach about a promise he made here in the Dáil when he stated that if satisfactory progress was not made in relation to providing employment opportunities for people with a disability he would consider introducing legislation. What progress has been made on assessing whether such legislation is necessary, or has that too disappeared in the clouds of smoke from his fireside?
Has legislation been promised in this area?
It is being monitored and when the appropriate results are available we will then make the decision as to whether or not it is necessary. They are becoming part of the monitoring system under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and that is the proper way to approach it.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the growing concern about the present dispute between the doctors and the Minister for Health which will leave one million people without medical care?
Let us come to the Order of Business proper.
(Interruptions.)
Some Deputies feel they are entitled to make a mockery of the Order of Business. I want to proceed to the Order of Business proper. I trust that, whatever views may be expressed by the Deputies who are standing at the moment, perhaps they would resume their seats. I will hear Deputy Bruton briefly and Deputy Pat McCartan and then I am proceeding to deal with the Order of Business proper.
The Minister for Justice promised a juvenile justice Bill and this has not been introduced. This is a matter of considerable worry because of the level of juvenile crime. Could I have an indication as to when it will be published?
The Bill the Deputy is inquiring about is in the early stages of preparation.
When the Taoiseach says it is in the early stages, does he mean he will have it next year or the year after?
It is a case of the wording again.
In view of the further denial he has now suffered at the hands of a member of his own Cabinet, when Deputy Molloy debunked him last night on television with regard to Sellafield, does he propose to take any action at Cabinet in respect of that matter?
What about collective responsibility?
It is collective responsibility on an individual basis.