In the light of the serious crime problem why is the juvenile justice Bill not included in the Government's programme of Bills to be published this session, in view of the fact that it was promised in the Government's joint programme with the Progressive Democrats and the Labour Party?
Order of Business (Resumed).
There will be approximately 150 sections in the Bill. Many of the proposed sections have been referred to the Departments of Education and Health for their observations. This Bill is proceeding as a matter of priority. The Deputy can be assured that it will be published this session.
After four years?
Is the Taoiseach aware that the system of juvenile justice is operating on the basis of the 1908 Act?
This should not give rise to argument now.
It is antediluvian.
This Government came into office only in 1993.
And not 1987?
It seems as if they have been here since 1908 — or perhaps it is that I feel I have been here since 1908.
Yesterday I asked the Taoiseach about the Ethics Bill but he did not tell me when it will be introduced. I would appreciate if he could tell me now when it will be introduced. Where do I find the voluntary register which the Taoiseach informed me yesterday was in place? I have searched for it but have been unable to find it. The Taoiseach told me that he had signed such a voluntary register. If the Ethics Bill will not be introduced this side of Christmas when will Deputies who are anxious to register be able to sign the voluntary register?
I will try to elucidate the matter for the benefit of Deputy De Rossa. Yesterday I said that we expected to publish the Ethics Bill before the end of this session. On the question of the register of Members' interests I said, on the first day I took over this job, that I voluntarily signed the register, but I did not see Deputy De Rossa or others rushing in madly behind me to declare their interests. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges has had a voluntary scheme in operation for quite some time and as soon as it decides on its future, it can be put into operation.
The Taoiseach expressed his amazement that nobody else had signed this register. Where did he sign this register?
This matter was discussed yesterday morning.
It is on the public record and I will repeat it here any day the Deputy asks about it.
Where is this secret register?
In Fine Gael headquarters.
A Cheann Comhairle, is it in your possession?
In view of its importance to the health of our people and the safety of our environment, will the Taoiseach allow a debate on the proposed reprocessing plant at Sellafield as soon as practicable?
The matter to which the Deputy refers is not appropriate to the Order of Business.
I am just requesting a debate.
There are many other ways of raisng this matter in this House.
In view of the Government's plan to introduce divorce legislation and the fact that it is virtually impossible for people to get civil legal aid because of the queue of people waiting for such services at the civil legal aid centres, why has the Minister for Equality and Law Reform omitted the promised legislation to put the civil legal aid system on a statutory basis from the the Government's published legislative programme for this session?
As I said yesterday — and I will repeat it today — the fact that any Bill is not listed on the Government's list does not preclude it from being published during this session.
Does the omission indicate that this legislation is not a priority for the Government and that it does not care about the fact that people cannot avail of civil legal aid.
During the recess, there were some very important judgments on the privileges of Members of the Oireachtas in regard to what they can say here and outside the House, their obligations and on the protection of their sources of information. Would it be possible, Sir, for you through your good offices — and keeping up the good service provided, to make available to all Members a report on the exact situation so that we will know the position?
I shall strive to do so.