Can the Taoiseach indicate to Donegal farmers when the £1 million compensation will be paid?
Order of Business (Resumed).
I am sorry, Deputy Harte, that matter is clearly not in order now. I am proceeding to deal with——
I have a further question.
Is it in order?
Is the statement the Taoiseach made that the Government was in for a long haul of four and a half years a threat?
There are fears that the net will get punctured.
Will the money be paid before the four and a half years are up?
Yes.
You will recall that this time last year we were embroiled in the United Meat Packers crisis when six factories closed and farmers, suppliers, hauliers and service industries were stuck for a considerable amount of money. In this House we were promised that legislation would be introduced to cover such situations and to protect such suppliers. Is there any indication as to what has happened to this legislation?
To what type of legislation is the Deputy referring?
Legislation to protect the interests of suppliers, farmers, hauliers and so on where large enterprises go to the wall overnight.
The Deputy should put down a question on the matter.
Last evening there were three questions on the Adjournment to the Minister for Health which were taken by my respected colleague in my constituency, the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan. I would ask you to protect Members' rights by ensuring that Ministers are present to answer important questions raised.
The Deputy made his point last evening when we discussed these matters. Let us not have a rehash again this morning.
(Interruptions.)
Where was the Minister of State?
That was the first time a Minister was not available.
(Interruptions).
That is a disgrace. Where was the Minister of State?
The Deputy missed some considerable time when he was Lord Mayor of Cork.
I was not a Minister then.
Legislation has been promised to amend the conveyancing laws to allow reduced costs and reduced legal fees to purchasers of houses. Yesterday the Minister for Justice accepted a question on this subject. Yesterday also the Minister for Equality and Law Reform gave the impression that he was responsible for that legislation. In view of the importance of this issue, can the Taoiseach clarify which of the two Ministers is actually responsible for the implementation of the promised legislation in regard to conveyancing?
The Minister for Justice.
Is that final?
I am proceeding now to Item No. 1——
Deputy Flaherty rose.
I am sorry, I did not observe the Deputy. I hesitate to disallow her. I observe two Deputies — Deputies McManus and Flaherty.
In view of the fact that the Government have made a commitment to have the divorce referendum in 1994 may we have an update on the progress of legislation on the joint ownership of the family home as 1993 is rapidly slipping by?
The legislation is at an advanced stage of preparation and it will be in the House as soon as possible.
In view of the fact that the Minister for Health is present may I ask when can we expect legislation to reform the mental health services as promised in the Joint Programme for Government and the involuntary admission of a patient by a spouse which was a subject of grave concern last year?
Work has begun on it and the Minister is examining all the submissions he has received in this regard.
Can we have a guarantee that it will be in 1993?