It is proposed to take Nos. 15 and 3. It is further proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that the Second Stage of No. 3 shall be taken today, and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 9.15 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the opening speeches of the Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons nominated by the Fine Gael and Labour parties shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; (ii) the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed five minutes in each case; and (iii) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called on not later than 9.10 p.m. to make a speech in reply. The proceedings on the Committee and Remaining Stages of No. 3, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 10.30 p.m. by one Question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall in relation to amendments include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for the Environment. Private Members' Business shall be No. 36, motion 46.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for dealing with Second Stage of No. 3 satisfactory? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with Committee and Remaining Stages of the same Bill satisfactory? Agreed.
The Minister for Justice indicated to the House, as reported at column 1205 of the Official Report of 14 October, that he proposes to introduce legislation "to prohibit the use of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in public." I would ask the Minister to expedite this legislation in view of the need to regulate the words used by the Taoiseach at the tribunal today.
We should deal with the Order of Business in a more serious manner.
This is promised legislation. The Minister for Justice indicated that public order legislation is necessary.
There is no need for the Deputy to repeat the matter.
May I ask the Ceann Comhairle whether he has received notice from Deputy De Rossa that he wishes to make a statement today regarding the very serious allegations made against him and the party he led some time ago?
That matter might be dealt with in another way.
The Minister for Justice indicated that he proposes to introduce a juvenile justice Bill and the Taoiseach indicated that this legislation is at an early stage of drafting. May I ask the Tánaiste, in view of the fact that a 16 year old youth was kicked to death in Finglas at the weekend and in view of the very serious situation that has developed as a result of the commission of offences by juveniles against juveniles, to request the Minister for Justice to speed up the introduction of this legislation?
Preparation of this Bill is at an advanced stage and I have the greatest confidence in the speed of movement of the Minister for Justice.
Is the Tánaiste aware that the Taoiseach said last week that preparation of the Bill is at an early stage?
This matter should not give rise to argument now.
May I ask the Tánaiste if the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications is going to make a statement this evening in this House or outside it in relation to Aer Lingus and the future of that company?
The matter will be before the House this evening.
With respect, a Cheann Comhairle, the matter should be dealt with in this House this evening.
There is a motion before the House in that regard.