It is proposed to take Nos. 4, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

It is also proposed that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m.

It is further proposed that No. 4 shall be taken without debate.

It is further proposed that the proceedings on the Committee and remaining Stages of No. 17, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. by one Question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Finance.

It is further proposed that the Second Stage of No. 19 shall be resumed not later than 3.45 p.m. and, if completed, that the order shall then resume.

Private Members' Business shall be No. 33.

Is the proposal for the late sittings agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that item No. 4 be taken without debate? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 17 agreed?

In relation to Item No. 17 I wish to raise an objection to the application of the guillotine to this Bill. There are 16 amendments still to be dealt with and we are only being allowed two and a half hours for the Bill. All of the amendments are from Opposition Deputies in the House. Some additional time should be provided for the Bill.

We will resume on item No.——

(Limerick East): I wish to raise on the Adjournment the implications for the control of the public finances arising from the Labour Court decision, the import of which seems to be that any activity at present being carried out by the public sector cannot be transferred to private interests.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

When can we expect the promised legislation providing for the abolition of vocational education committees and the provision of new regional bodies in substitution?

No such legislation has been promised.

It has. The Minister for Education has promised that legislation. I heard her myself.

It must not lead to argument now. I am calling——

I did not promise the abolition of the VECs.

I am calling Deputy Richard Bruton.

If Deputy Bruton does not offer now I shall pass on to another Deputy.

It is hard to talk down the Minister.

Will the Taoiseach say whether the Government still intend to introduce legislation relating to a radiological protection institute and an emergency plan, or has that been dispersed with the winds which have blown in the intervening year?

It is still the intention to introduce legislation. Legislation is with the draftsman and we hope to produce it very soon.

This year?

Yes.

Do the Government anticipate bringing in the Children (Care and Protection) Bill in the coming weeks?

It is hoped to bring it in very shortly.

I would like to raise on the Adjournment the closure of 30 geriatric beds in Edenburn Hospital.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

With the permission of the Chair I would like to raise on the Adjournment the question of the Spanish Government dumping toxic waste off Inishvickilaune off the south coast.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

I am glad the Deputy raised that. I hope the Spaniards will be responsible in this matter.

I asked last week by what mechanism the progress or lack of progress on the talks taking place within the Central Review Committee on Education under the Programme for National Recovery would be reported to the Dáil. I think the Taoiseach indicated that he would give consideration to the mechanisms by which the Dáil would be informed as to the progress or lack of progress in the talks involving education.

That does not seem to be relevant now.

It would be premature at this stage to report because the proceedings are still continuing.

Can the Taoiseach tell us when legislation, about which there appears to be no confusion as it has been announced on several occasions by the Minister for Education, that is, legislation in respect of new autonomous structures for the RTCs, will come before the House?

I will communicate with the Deputy.

Once again, I seek permission to raise on the Adjournment the possible formation of an integrated development plan to include County Kildare.

I will communicate with the Deputy in respect of that matter.

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the siting of the national sports centre, with particular reference to the submission made by resident groups in the Baldoyle area.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of a question I have raised here on about 21 occasions, that is, the lack of any regulations under the Air Pollution Act and the lack of decisions regarding grants for a smoke control zone in Ballyfermot.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

I wish to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Government to provide grant-aid under the western package in respect of pollution control. This matter has been a source of some controversy in recent days and the Government do not seem to know where they are going.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

In view of the love which the Taoiseach has expressed for island people would he now take immediate action to ensure that the post office on Hare Island, County Cork, will be retained?

The Deputy should raise that matter in another way.

I will certainly give that matter my personal attention.