Order of Business.
It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 2,3,16,21 and 17. It is no harm to remind the House that the Dáil will meet tomorrow morning at 10.30 a.m.
Comment on this
As regards Thursday and Friday, I suggest the Whips might meet today to have a further discussion and make arrangements.
Comment on this
Has the decision been made by the house that the Dáil will rise at the end of this week?
Comment on this
Last week, I raised this point deliberately, so that the Taoiseach would be forewarned, as to whether the House would be given notice, through an announcement by the Taoiseach, as to when the House would rise. So far, if the Taoiseach looks at the records of the House, he will find there is no decision on record that the House would rise during the present week until October. In view of the fact that the House has taken no decision, how is it that public bodies such as Radio Éireann and Telefís Éireann are entitled to announce, as official announcements, that this House has made the decision that certain legislation will be postponed until next October or November, when this House made no such decision?
Comment on this
Since this is the last week of sitting, might I ask the Taoiseach is he now in a position to indicate to the House the approximate date of the general election?
Comment on this
On the Order of Business, we have not been concerned in these discussions at all, we do not know the reasons as to why this decision has been taken. Could the Taoiseach say, in the light of the fact that there is so much business to be discussed, what is the urgency about ending the business of the House this week?
Comment on this
I informed the House that there has been a general discussion between Parties regarding the business of this session, as a result of which certain agreements were made which I communicated to the House.
Comment on this
The House has received no communication to that effect. No motion has been moved by the Taoiseach in this House that the adjournment take place on Thursday or Friday, or any other such time. It is normal, I understand from the proceedings in the past, that such announcements are made here in the House. Would the Taoiseach undertake to remedy that position so that the normal procedure will be adhered to?
Comment on this
Do we take it that the House takes no decision in regard to sittings, that it is a matter purely for the Government?
Comment on this
I presume the motion for the adjournment can be challenged but these arrangements were made to meet the convenience of all Deputies who were represented at these discussions. The Deputy will appreciate that there will be a 12-hour debate on the Fifth Stage of the Finance Bill which will afford an opportunity for a general discussion, if it is desired.
Comment on this
Should the Taoiseach not give notice of motion that it is the Government's intention or the intention of the House to adjourn on a particular day?
Comment on this
Could I have information on the Supplementary Estimate for Industry and Commerce? Is it proposed to take that on Thursday?
Comment on this
That is one of the matters about which I should like to have some discussions. My desire is to meet the convenience of other Parties in this regard and to order the Estimate whenever it is regarded by them as most suitable.
Comment on this
Is it a question of having a full discussion on it now or having a full discussion on it later on?