Today's Order of Business will be Item 1 between now and 1 p.m. My understanding is that the Tánaiste will address the House at approximately 12 p.m. I suggest ten minutes per spokesperson and eight minutes thereafter. Item 2 will be taken between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Item 3 will be taken between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and I suggest 15 minutes per spokesperson and ten minutes thereafter.
Order of Business.
On the question of time allocations for Item 1, not many spokespersons will require more than ten minutes; nevertheless if the Leader of the Opposition or other spokespersons require a few more minutes flexibility should be allowed as the Minister is not confined to ten minutes. I therefore ask Members to be reasonable and flexible on this point
I am disturbed to note Item 2 on the Order of Business. This was not on the notice from the Whip's Office last week. However, we will co-operate and allow the item to be taken, but to present the House with a Bill to be taken at such short notice, and which has a number of amendments, is not the way to do business. In view of this I request that the business of the House be ordered in such a way that this does not arise in the future.
I am sure that all in the House wish to send our sympathy to the people of Israel, its Government and the families of those who have been bereaved after the terrible atrocity which took place yesterday, and to hope that the peace process in that country and in that part of the world will not be damaged by what was clearly an attempt to sabotage it.
Regarding the question of debates on matters of foreign policy which I raised before the summer recess, since the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs has been established, the House has tended to devote less time to such debates. We should have a discussion soon on foreign policy developments in areas such as East Timor, the Middle East and the former Yugoslavia. I asked previously whether this could be done through a report from the committee dealing with foreign policy and perhaps with the involvement of the chairman of that committee. This matter should be examined because it allows the House to carry out its business by being informed on and dealing with issues.
I share Senator Manning's reservation about Item 2 and the way it has been introduced. However, we will also co-operate. Regarding Item 3, statements on ending long term unemployment, I ask the Leader to clarify that this will not conclude today.
No.
That is fine. We should welcome the decision of the Finnish people to join the European Union. I hope it sets a headline for other countries which will vote on that question in the near future.
A report was presented to the Foreign Affairs Committee two weeks ago on the enlargement of the EU. I ask the Leader for a debate on this report as soon as possible.
I ask the Leader if he has any plans for a discussion on the McKinsey report dealing with the ESB. It is important that the House has an opportunity to discuss this report soon. As the Leader is aware, there is a proposal to reduce the number of jobs in the ESB by approximately 3,000.
I ask the Leader if he has any intention of holding a debate on the Price Waterhouse report on the Department of Defence. This has caused much uncertainty among Army personnel across the Defence Forces. There appears to be confusion between the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence and nobody seems to know what is happening in relation to the report, which has caused much uncertainty and fear. I ask the Leader to consider this matter.
Regarding the time limits, hopefully the Chair will reflect the views of the House.
Flexibility will apply.
Regarding the milk regulations, I understand from the Minister that the amendments are minor. I ask the House to accept that. Regarding the points raised about foreign affairs, the ESB and the Department of Defence, I am sure the Whips will arrange various debates between now and Christmas.
Order of Business agreed to.