It is proposed to take Nos. 5, 6 and 1. No. 6 shall be taken at 3.50 p.m. and the order shall resume thereafter. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the proceedings on No. 6 if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the statements of the Taoiseach and the Leaders of the Fianna Fáil Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the Democratic Left Party, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case; (ii) the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed 15 minutes; (iii) Members may share time; (iv) the Tánaiste shall be called upon not later than 6.30 p.m. to make a statement in reply and (2) Private Members' Business shall be No. 12 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. and the amendment thereon shall be decided by one question which shall be put from the Chair.
Order of Business.
Are the proposals for dealing with statements satisfactory and agreed?
I thought initially that more time would have been made available to allow more Members to contribute but I am sure the Whips will monitor the position during the day. We welcome the publication of the Framework Document and I look forward to outlining our support. There are however some aspects which we would like the Taoiseach to clarify. I wish him and the Tánaiste well at the press conference and at the other proceedings taking place.
I join the Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party in wishing the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the other Ministers at the press conference well. I have read the document only once but it is fair and balanced. The Government and its predecessor which was involved in the process are to be congratulated. Will it be possible for us to receive copies of the strand one document — I presume the Government has copies — as early as possible as this would facilitate a more comprehensive debate?
I thank the Leaders of the main Opposition Party and the Progressive Democrat Party for their expressions of support which are greatly appreciated. I acknowledge the contributions to the process by successive Governments. I will make arrangements to have the document to which Deputy Harney referred, the strand one document, published by the British Government, made available to Deputies as soon as possible.
Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members' Business satisfactory? Agreed.
Having regard to the newspaper reports will the Minister for Finance indicate when the abortion information legislation will be published?
It will be published tomorrow.
The Minister for the Marine announced that an inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding the disaster at Dunmore East during the weekend. What are its terms of reference?
That question, although relevant, is not appropriate now; it should be tabled in the ordinary way.
Will the Minister for Finance indicate when the Green Paper on broadcasting will be published?
The Green Paper as distinct from legislation.
It will form the basis of legislation.
I am informed that it is at an advanced stage and will be published as soon as possible.
Will it be leaked in instalments or in its entirety?
No, it will be published.
I bhfianaise na droch aimsire atá ann arís, cad tá i gceist ag an Rialtas a dhéanamh maidir leis an damáiste stoirme ar fad? In view of the continuing disaster in the west as a result of storm damage and flooding will the Minister for Finance indicate what funding it is proposed to provide——
Níl sé sin in órd anois.
The matter is not in order now. The Deputy must proceed in the ordinary way to raise this matter which has been the subject of considerable debate in this House.
With respect, it has also been the subject of considerable inaction.
It is not in order now. That is very evident.
Will the Government declare a state of emergency in the flooded areas?
I am proceeding now to the Order of Business proper.
On arterial drainage will the Minister for Finance, who has responsibility for legislation in this area, agree to accept the Fianna Fáil Arterial Drainage Bill currently before the Seanad so that it can be expedited through the House?
That is a matter for the Whips.
Why did Deputy Dempsey's Government not bring it in when it was in power?
Before I ask about promised legislation, on behalf of the Green Party I welcome the publication of the Framework Document and express my dissatisfaction that the Green Party is not being asked to make a separate statement. I hope time will be made available for this later in the day. The Minister for Finance could save money as a result of legislation which I assume, from newspaper reports, will be introduced preventing the payment of two salaries to both MEPs and TDs.
To what legislation is the Deputy referring?
Is legislation proposed on that matter?
That is not in order, Deputy.
Will the Minister for Finance say when the Finance Bill will be published?
It will be published in the normal way, I hope before Easter.
Do not forget Salthill.