Vol. 426 No. 1
5 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of the Government's proposed legislative programme, with particular reference to new legislation and/or amendment of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government Chief Whip provided the Opposition Whips with a list of the Government's legislative intentions for the coming session today. As the Deputy is aware, the legislative programme is discussed by the Whips on a regular basis and any necessary adjustments are made to cope with situations which require urgent legislation. I should add that the present session is likely to be dominated by the budget debate.
Will the Taoiseach indicate to what extent legislation suggested in the Programme for a Partnership Government will be incorporated in the legislative programme?
The Whips will publish the programme and any further questions in that regard will be a matter for Question Time in the future.
Will the Taoiseach state if the legislative programme for this session will include legislation to take account of the decisions of the High Court in regard to the Mullaghmore interpretative centre?
That is a separate matter.
I am surprised the Deputy raised that matter, but I am in a position to tell him that legislation will be introduced in that regard here tomorrow.
Arising from the Taoiseach's reply——
We have had a deviation from the question before us.
Arising from the delay in bringing the budget to the House will the Taoiseach indicate the timetable for this year's Social Welfare Bill and Finance Bill? Will they also be delayed?
A timetable will be worked out in due course between the Whips.
Will the Taoiseach indicate whether the programme to be presented to the Whips tomorrow will incorporate new legislation only or will it include amendments to existing legislation plus new legislation?
The Deputy should await receipt of the programme and if he has any further questions he should raise them the next day.
The Taoiseach told the House he proposes to introduce legislation tomorrow to deal with the outcome of the High Court case in the matter of the Mullaghmore interpretative centre. Which Minister will introduce that legislation and how much time will be allocated for its discussion?
That is a matter for the Whips. The issue may be raised by way of Private Notice Question and I do not propose to state whether it will be taken.
