It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in that order. It is proposed to adjourn for tea from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. It is proposed to take No. 3 from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Agreement has been reached that, if possible, we should complete all stages of Item No. 1 today. With the agreement of the House we will continue on from Committee Stage to Report Stage of the Control of Dogs Bill, 1986.
Order of Business.
I should like to raise one matter, that is, the announcement on the media this morning that a sub-committee of the Dáil is being established to inquire into the major insurance industry. I should like to know why Members of this House——
I do not think this is relevant to the Order of Business.
I think it is a very relevant matter. I should like to know why Members of this House are not represented on that sub-committee, bearing in mind the fact that many Members of this House are concerned about that issue. We in this House should protest about the fact that we are not represented on this sub-committee of TDs who are to consider problems within the motor industry and the cost of motor insurance generally.
It has nothing to do with the Order of Business.
It is very relevant to many people we represent. It is something this House should protest about. I would like Senator Killilea to protest about it also.
It is a Dáil select committee and it has nothing to do with the Order of Business.
We should protest about the fact that it is not a joint committee.
I would like to ask when item No. 21 will be taken. This is the fourth year that I mentioned it. I have asked on many occasions on the Order of Business when No. 21 will be taken. There are secret discussions and compromise arrangements are being rushed through here at the last minute. I want to know what the latest information is in relation to that. The Deputy Leader of the House might be able to tell us when it is proposed to take it if it is to be taken before the end of this session.
Senator Ferris to reply on the Order of Business.
I have no comment to make about the select committee of the Dáil because it is a matter for the Dáil. With reference to Senator Cassidy's question about No. 21, the Leader of the House on numerous occasions has given him the up-to-date position on that legislation. I understand he was to come back to him on whether it will be taken in conjunction with the community radio Bill. I can assure Senator Cassidy that there are no secret negotiations or compromises. There are discussions between the parties in Government. They are proceeding and they are in line with the programme for the Government. When agreement has been reached on the legislative programme I am sure Senator Cassidy will be made aware of it.
It is a marathon discussion for four and a half years.
Since this important matter seems to have been decided at the whim of the Labour Party today at their parliamentary party meeting, has any decision been taken as to when this might happen, or would the Deputy Leader of the House care to indicate that it may happen in the near future, or that it may never happen.
I am very proud to be a member of the Labour Party and I have no intention of divulging the secrets of the parliamentary party meeting.
When agreement has been reached between the partners in Government, the Government will make an announcement of their intentions on community radio and then it will be a matter for the Opposition either to support or reject the proposals. We are an integral part of the Government and I take it that the Senator does not want to remove that right from us.
Order of Business agreed to.