Order of Business.
It is proposed to take Nos. 4, 5 and 8. It is also proposed that Nos. 4 and 5 shall be taken without debate in accordance with the order of the House of Tuesday, 9 May. Private Members' Business shall be No. 24.
Comment on this
Is it agreed that Nos. 4 and 5 be taken without debate in accordance with the order of the House of yesterday? Agreed.
Comment on this
While I welcome the thrust of the Bill which he is moving in the Seanad today, can the Taoiseach tell us if the Government have sought clarification on the constitutionality of the Bill and if the Bill will be referred to the Supreme Court?
Comment on this
I would have thought that it is a very important matter and in need of some clarification. Perhaps the Taoiseach can give some information——
Comment on this
Can the Taoiseach tell us when the Government expect to be in a position to introduce amending social welfare legislation following yesterday's Supreme Court decision in the Hyland case?
Comment on this
No legislation has been promised, but the decision of the Supreme Court is under consideration at the moment.
Comment on this
Can the Taoiseach give us any indication of when we might expect a Bill to be introduced in the House?
Comment on this
In relation to the same matter, a promise was given that legislation would be introduced. Can the Taoiseach indicate how quickly he proposes——
Comment on this
He said that legislation has been promised. They do occasionally speak without the Taoiseach's permission.
Comment on this
This matter, while a source of mirth here, is also a source of concern to thousands of men and women living on very small amounts of money. Can the Taoiseach indicate if he will be introducing this legislation in the coming week?
Comment on this
The Taoiseach has given a very bland reply and I am asking him to give a specific promise to introduce it quickly.
Comment on this
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the operation of export credit insurance in respect of exports to Iran in 1987 and 1988.
Comment on this
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the restriction which has been placed by the Minister for Health on the Cork Examiner group of newspapers, the consequent threat to the freedom of the press and the readers' right——
Comment on this
Is the Deputy seeking to raise the matter with me? She may not raise it now in the House.
Comment on this
Can the Minister for the Environment tell us if he will soon be in a position to make a decision as to whether the fuel burning fire is a suitable appliance to use in a smoke control area?
Comment on this
Deputy Mac Giolla, I have asked you on a number of occasions to desist and resume your seat. Deputy Allen.
Comment on this
I also wish to raise on the Adjournment the censorship imposed on the Cork Examiner by the Government and the implications for press freedom in this country.
Comment on this
Deputy Barrett and Deputy O'Keeffe, one of your colleagues is in order and seeking to address the House.
Comment on this
Is the Minister for Labour aware that for the past month 500 people have been on strike at the Unidare factory in Finglas and a very complex industrial relations problem has evolved? Does the Minister propose to take any action?
Comment on this
The Deputy will appreciate that matter does not arise now. I presume she was raising the matter with me.
Comment on this
Can the Taoiseach explain to the House the continuing failure to enforce the Abattoirs Act which passed through both House some time ago?
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I know the Taoiseach is an endangered species but he does not need that much protection, a Cheann Comhairle.
Comment on this
Apparently there are some difficulties with regulations which attach to the Abattoirs Act. They are effectively promised so I wonder why there is a continuing delay in relation to this most important legislation.
Comment on this
With respect, we are in order as it is promised legislation and I would appreciate an answer.
Comment on this
On behalf of the absent Lord Mayor of Dublin, Deputy Briscoe, and myself, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the problem arising in Dublin Corporation in respect of those tenants who have applied to buy their flats because of the failure of the Minister for the Environment to provide adequate staff.
Comment on this
I wish to ask the Taoiseach if the Government have reached any decision on the submissions made by the all-party committee on the distribution of lottery funds.
Comment on this
An all-party committee made submissions to the Government a long time ago and we are still waiting for a decision.
Comment on this
This clearly is not a matter for the Order of Business. There are many other ways of raising the matter.
Deputy Creed rose.
Comment on this
I will not allow you to circumvent my ruling in this matter. It is not in order now and the Deputy must pursue it by other means.