Vol. 447 No. 7
I move:
That the Order of the Dáil of 3rd November, 1994, providing that the Select Committees on Enterprise and Economic Strategy and Legislation and Security report back to Dáil Éireann by 7 December, 1994, is hereby rescinded in respect of the four Bills comprehended.
On a point of information, a matter came to my notice last evening in relation to the meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body proposed for 12-14 December 1994. As co-Chairman I endeavoured to find out the position since we are to have a plenary session in Cardiff on those days. As the House will be aware, 25 Members of the Oireachtas are due to travel to Cardiff to meet our British counterparts from Monday to Wednesday of next week. I contacted our Whip's office and I received a message late last night indicating that the Whips unanimously are of the view that the meeting should not take place.
I have been in contact with my British counterpart, co-Chairman, Mr. Peter Temple Morris, MP about the position. I want some indication, particularly from the Leaders of the political parties in this House, on what is the exact position. This is a very important meeting, one of two we have in the course of the year and, if cancelled, would send all the wrong signals with regard to whatever peace process is in place. It is important that this Parliament give Members some direction on whether this meeting should take place in the next or coming weeks.
The Chair has had no notice of the matter referred to by Deputy Ahern. However, I would express the hope that the important matter to which he has adverted can be resolved in consultation with the Leaders and the Whips of this House.
I know it would be out of order — if order is still a matter of importance in this House although I know that when you, a Cheann Comhairle, are in the Chair you do your utmost to maintain it — but in our view it is important that this meeting which has been arranged for some time should not be cancelled. It is crucial that the peace process continue. This House always facilitated such meetings and I think that meeting should go ahead. There is no difficulty on our side of the House about that meeting. Perhaps the Whips could meet later today to discuss the matter and I would be quite happy about such a discussion.
I suggest that, rather than this matter being discussed across the floor of the House where statements might be made which might appear superficially plausible but may have other elements requiring elaboration——
I totally object to that implication.
Deputy Ahern, this delicate matter should not give rise to argument or disorder of any kind.
I totally object to that remark. How dare Deputy John Bruton.
That was a disgraceful statement by Deputy John Bruton.
Members should restrain themselves in respect of this delicate matter.
The peace process is a particularly sensitive issue and it should be discussed in a careful way.
The Deputy should cop himself on.
The Deputy should not act in a bullish manner.
People who wish to raise matters affecting the peace process would be well advised to give notice to those concerned beforehand so that the response can be measured and careful. It is unreasonable to raise matters without notice in this fashion. I suggest, therefore, we agree that the matter be discussed between all the party leaders or by the Whips during the recess we will probably have later today. In that way we will be able to reach an agreed solution. It may well be that it is possible to find an agreed solution to satisfy everybody, but it is unlikely that we will find it in a form of cross talk in the House.
It is well known I have always said that the British-Irish Inter-parliamentary Body has an extremely important function regarding relations between this House and Westminster. We should have a meeting of the party leaders shortly after the House is adjourned and consider the possibilities of how that meeting may go ahead. It may be possible for the meeting to sit for one day instead of the normal sitting of two-and-a-half days. The party leaders will consider if a resolution can be found.
I agree with Deputies Bruton and Spring. We should meet after the House is adjourned and discuss how we can facilitate the meeting going ahead.
I understand that the proposed postponement of this interparliamentary body was agreed by the Whips, including the Government Whip, last night. I am surprised that it has been raised across the floor this morning. I agree it should be discussed by the Whips and the party leaders and not across the floor in an antagonistic fashion.
I am ruling, therefore, the consensus of this House is that this matter be referred to the Leaders of the various parties and the Whips for consideration and decision. I will hear no more on the matter.
A Ceann Comhairle, may I make a point?
Order, Deputy Ahern please resume your seat forthwith.
I am entitled to make a point.
Deputy Ahern, you may not disobey the Chair in this unruly fashion.
The Deputy has put his foot in it.
Is the Deputy still a member of Fianna Fáil?
There is faction fighting in that party.
