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Dáil Éireann - Volume 361 - 06 November, 1985 Order of Business. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: It is proposed to take Nos. 18, 19 and 20. By agreement, the proceedings on the remaining Stages of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 1985 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 7 p.m. today 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 Foreign Affairs. Private Members' Business shall be No. 40. Also by agreement, the proceedings on item 40 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 8.30 p.m. today. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: Are the arrangements for taking items Nos. 18 and 40 agreed? Agreed. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey 1294 Mr. Haughey: I should like to ask the Taoiseach if it would be possible for him, or the Minister for Justice, to make some statement or give us some information today about the position in regard to the tribunal which has been established to deal with compensation for the victims of the Stardust tragedy. The Taoiseach will recall that I raised this matter on the Adjournment recently and the Minister for Defence, acting on behalf of the Minister for Justice, indicated that he was prepared to arrange a meeting between [1294] himself, or his officials, and the legal representatives of the Stardust victims. I raise this matter because there is some confusion, in fact, a fair amount of confusion, existing. We would all agree that it would be tragic if at this stage matters did not proceed satisfactorily. There is certain doubt and confusion in the minds of the committee, and the victims, about some matters, particularly in relation to costs. It would be very desirable if the Minister for Justice, or the Attorney General, could make a statement about the matter or arrange a meeting or take some initiative to clear up the doubts that exist because everybody is anxious to get on with the matter. Most people are anxious to get before the tribunal and get this all settled but there are these doubts and questions. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: I appreciate the Deputy's concern which I share. In fact, the Attorney General, who is dealing with this matter, has been in continuous contact with the various parties with a view to resolving outstanding doubts or issues. I would be happy that he should brief the Leader of the Opposition on the present position and on his hopes of resolving anything that is outstanding in the immediate future. Perhaps that might be done during the course of the day. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: I should like to ask the Taoiseach a question in regard to a committee of inquiry which I have been led to believe has been set up to inquire into the building societies. The Taoiseach is aware—— An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: This does not sound as if it arises on the Order of Business. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey 1295 Mr. Haughey: Perhaps before you drop the guillotine on my inoffensive neck I could go a little further and let you know exactly what I am raising. I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he is in a position to give some information to the House about a committee which he told [1295] us was being established in his Department under the chairmanship of his economic adviser to inquire into the operation of building societies? The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: I am replying to that question at 2.30 p.m. today. I doubt if I would be in order in anticipating my answer. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: Apparently there is a Question on the Order Paper. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: It is not on my Order Paper. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: It is No. 42, which is down for written reply. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: It is from a chap called Molloy. He is over there somewhere. Actually, he is not. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: If it is for written answer it is a bit unsatisfactory from our point of view. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: The Deputy should tell that to Deputy Molloy. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: It is as well to wait until we receive the written answer. I should like to direct the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that it is an extraordinary way of dealing with a very important matter, to set up a kind of star chamber inquiry—— An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: We cannot go into this matter in this way. (Interruptions.) Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: Am I distressing Deputy Collins? Mr. E. Collins Mr. E. Collins Mr. E. Collins: No. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey 1296 Mr. Haughey: I shall proceed a little further to distress him by saying that the person appointed to chair this very important secret committee was none other than Patrick Hogan, economic adviser to the Taoiseach whose track [1296] record in regard to black holes, emigration and other matters—— The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: Honohan. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Haughey is being disorderly. The Deputy is ignoring the Chair. Mr. Barrett (Dún Laoghaire) Mr. Barrett (Dún Laoghaire) Mr. Barrett (Dún Laoghaire): Hear, hear. He should not be ignoring the Chair. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: ——is totally disastrous. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: I call Deputy De Rossa. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey: In deference to your wishes, I shall not pursue the matter further. Mr. R. Burke Mr. R. Burke Mr. R. Burke: No more champagne parties, Eddie. (Interruptions.) Mr. Dukes Mr. Dukes Mr. Dukes: I may give the Deputy one. Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa: Would the Taoiseach clarify the situation regarding the proposed fate of the Committee on Marriage Breakdown? He has indicated, both in this House and outside it, on á number of occasions that a debate was being arranged. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: This matter was raised yesterday a couple of times. Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa: My question arises from a reported remark of the Fianna Fáil Chief Whip that there had been no approach to him regarding the arrangements for such a debate. I simply want to know when the arrangements will be made. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: The matter is under discussion between the Whips. We are anxious that the discussions start as soon as possible. I am sure we will have full co-operation from the Opposition on that. Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey 1297 [1297] Mr. Haughey: Has the Taoiseach consulted Deputy O'Leary? Has he talked with him? Mr. Morley Mr. Morley Mr. Morley: I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the threatened early closure of Claremorris bacon factory. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: I shall communicate with the Deputy during the day. Mr. J. O'Leary Mr. J. O'Leary Mr. J. O'Leary: A Cheann Comhairle, with your permission I wish to raise on the Adjournment matters relating to the lack of sufficient staff, the industrial dispute and the very serious arrears of work in the Land Registry office. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: I shall communicate with Deputy O'Leary. Mr. Allen Mr. Allen Mr. Allen: I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of nuclear dumping off our south-west coast, in the light of recent disclosures to the European Parliament concerning the durability of the canisters used. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: I shall communicate with the Deputy. Dáil Éireann 361 Order of Business. General Debate 19851106
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