It is proposed to take Nos. 15 and 16. It is further proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: 1. The Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and adjourn not later than 4.00 p.m. 2. Statements shall be made tomorrow on the European Council Meeting in Birmingham and the following arrangements shall apply:

(i) The statements of the Taoiseach and of a spokesperson nominated by Fine Gael and of a spokesperson nominated by the Labour Party shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case.

(ii) The statement of a spokesperson nominated by the Democratic Left shall not exceed 15 minutes.

3. On the conclusion of statements on the European Council Meeting in Birmingham, statements shall be made on the Special Report of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies and related matters and the following arrangements shall apply:

(i) The statement of the chairman of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies and of the main spokespersons nominated by Fine Gael and Labour shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case.

(ii) The statement of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes.

(iii) The Minister for Finance shall be called upon not later than 3.30 p.m. to make a statement in reply not exceeding 30 minutes.

4. Notwithstanding the Resolution of the Dáil of 21st October, 1992, the Dáil shall sit until 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 October 1992, whereupon it shall adjourn forthwith.

Is item No. 1 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with statements on the European Council in Birmingham satisfactory?

I must again make the point that I and the other Independent Deputies in this House are refused the right to speak on this important matter. There are five Independent Deputies. Another party with six Deputies has rights. They should have those rights but we should have them also.

I have to say that the Chair concurs with the Deputy. Is this proposal agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with statements on the Special Report of the Joint Committee on Commercial State-sponsored Bodies agreed? Agreed. Is there agreement on the last matter, that the Dáil shall sit until 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 October, whereupon it shall adjourn?

Before we agree to this matter, can the Taoiseach confirm that the additional two hours will be spent dealing with the referendum Bill?

That is correct.

Will there be time available to table amendments to the Bill?

Yes.

I refer particularly to amendments to deal with the very divisive title proposed in relation to the substantive issue.

It is not divisive. Only the Deputy thinks so.

When will the Government come before the House with legislation to allow either private or public equity to be put into Aer Lingus to save jobs there in view of the fact that up to £30 million a year in interest is causing the loss of jobs in that company——

We had this on the Adjournment this morning. I had ruled yesterday morning that it is not in order now. We have debated this matter.

——and that the bulk of the losses are due to interest payments?

I am inquiring as regards legislation.

Deputy Bruton——

We must have legislation if these jobs are to be saved.

——the Chair permitted this matter to be raised on the Adjournment this morning.

Legislation is necessary, if these jobs are to be saved, to allow equity to be injected——

The Deputy has made his point. I am now calling on Deputy Spring.

——either from a public or private source. Why can the Minister make no decision on this matter? Surely the jobs of these people are more important than any jobs he may be hoping for?

I have called Deputy Dick Spring.

Why is the Minister not——

Out of order.

Please Deputy Bruton, desist.

On a point of order, surely——

I have called Deputy Spring. There is no need for disorder on this issue.

That is why I want to raise a point of order.

The Chair has been most considerate in respect of the matter raised by Deputy Bruton and it was debated in this House a few hours ago.

The Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Bruton, is obviously very concerned and wants to raise this issue by way of questioning the Taoiseach as to whether he will introduce legislation.

Out of order, out of order.

I am sorry, it is not in order.

Is it not in order——

No, Deputy.

The Deputy is bluffing.

——for the Leader of the Opposition to raise with the Taoiseach the question of the introduction of legislation?

No, Deputy, only if the legislation has been promised in this House.

If it has not been promised it should be promised now.

Please, Deputy, I will hear no further about it. Deputy Spring.

I thank you for your perseverance in giving me some space.

Hear, hear.

I am seeking some clarification from the Taoiseach. I am sure that by now the Taoiseach is aware that a senior counsel for the State at the tribunal recently made a statement to the effect that the tribunal is the same as an East European show trial. Could I have some clarification from the Taoiseach as to whether that was representing the view of the Taoiseach or the Government, or will the Taoiseach take the opportunity now to state that this is not the view of the State?

This is surely not relevant now.

The tribunal was set up by the State.

Let us not intrude into the Beef Tribunal. Let there be no reference to that tribunal.

With due respect, an outrageous statement was made by senior counsel on behalf of the Taoiseach and the State. It should be withdrawn by the Government at the earliest opportunity.

That is a matter for the tribunal.

Watch your language.

I am trying to get an answer from the Taoiseach.

May I be allowed to ask the Taoiseach if he will avail of the opportunity tomorrow, when dealing with the report on the meeting in Birmingham, to explain to Border traders what he proposes to do to protect them, because the Government——

Deputy Harte, this is not in order now.

Excuse me, the Government have not availed of this opportunity over the last few days. Will the Taoiseach tell the Border traders what he is doing to protect them.

Nothing.