Apart from the present commitment of £11 million to the B & I would the Minister say whether there are any forward or future commitments, implicit to explicit, to the company?

The reply to the question, as I gave it to the House, indicated that the Government noted the plan of action, the across-the-board support of the workforce and agreed, on the basis of the plan, to provide the company with up to £11 million in Exchequer equity in 1988. The Government decided also to review the position — perhaps there is an implication in that — not later than the autumn of 1988 on the basis of detailed comparison of the company's performance against forecast.

Will the Minister consider allowing for debate in this House on the performance of the B & I company within the year and in the context of the Government's proposed review in the autumn of 1988?

I am sure that opportunities will arise during the year, particularly in the course of a debate on the Estimates for my Department, when that matter can be discussed.

We have now exhausted the three questions nominated for priority. Does that mean that ordinary questions can be answered until 3.45 p.m.?

No, ordinary questions will be concluded at 3.30 p.m.

Even by agreement?

Standing Orders are clear on the matter, Deputy.

Could not the Ceann Comhairle have a memory lapse for 15 minutes?

Is the Deputy suggesting that Standing Orders should be amended?