Vol. 454 No. 1
It is proposed to take Nos. 8, 1 and 2.
It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) No. 8 shall be decided without debate; (2) the sitting shall not be suspended at 1.30 p.m.; and (3) Private Members' Business shall also be taken tomorrow between 12 noon and 1.30 p.m. and the proceedings theron shall be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m.
Private Members' Business shall be No. 24.
Is the proposal that No. 8 be decided without debate satisfactory and agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal that the sitting shall not be suspended at 1.30 p.m. today satisfactory? Agreed. Is it agreed that Private Members' Business be taken tomorrow at the agreed time? Agreed.
May I ask the Taoiseach when it is intended that the Minister for Enterprise and Employment will issue his decision on the Competition Authority report? It has a unique bearing on the fortunes of the Irish Press and it is imperative that we have such a report.
I feel sure the House will have ample time to discuss that matter and the Chair is very sympathetic in regard to it.
Will the Taoiseach state if the Government proposes to bring in legislation before the summer recess to provide for the establishment of a third banking force?
Can we relate this to legislation of any kind?
I am not aware that any legislation has been specifically promised on that matter. Obviously, if legislation is necessary it will be introduced in due course.
Has the Government made a decision to approve the trustee's demand to dispose of the Trustee Savings Bank and to apply the proceeds to the capitalisation of ACC and ICC?
Surely this must be dealt with in another way.
The Government made a commitment on this and many comments have been made in the media that the Government was to make a decision "yesterday", "last week", etc. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether a decision has been made in this matter?
It does not arise now.
When will it arise because——
I am sorry. Deputy Harney. The Deputy knows what is appropriate at this time.
Why is the Taoiseach so reluctant to comment?
When will the ESB legislation be introduced to allow the private production of electricity as promised by the Minister? Will the Taoiseach confirm to the House that he has the support of the Labour Party and Democratic Left of this legislation?
Let us keep to the business before us.
It is promised legislation.
The legislation to amend the electricity Acts is at an early stage of preparation. I do not expect it will be ready before the end of the year.
And the second part of my question?
It does not arise now.
The second part of the Deputy's question does not arise on the Order of Business.
It will arise at the appropriate time.
It will arise?
I would not count on it if I were the Deputy.
Does that mean the Taoiseach cannot confirm that he has the support?
Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Education to clarify the situation with respect to procedures to be adopted for correcting examinations for secondary students?
Clearly the matter referred to by Deputy Martin is not related to the Order of Business.
This matter was raised this morning in the public arena. Perhaps time can be taken in the House to allay public concern.
