It is proposed to take items Nos. 16, 17 and 18. It is also proposed that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. today and business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m.

It is further proposed that the Committee Stage of item No. 16 shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, at 7 p.m. 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 Finance.

It is further proposed that the Committee and Remaining Stages of item No. 18 shall be taken at 8.30 p.m. and shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, at 10.30 p.m. 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 Industry and Commerce and the order shall not resume.

Subject to an order for the taking of the Second Reading of the Bill being made, Private Members' Business shall be item No. 5.

Is the proposal for the late sitting today agreed?

A Cheann Comhairle, on a point of order——

I have put a specific question to the House. I must ask is the Deputy speaking on the question I have posed?

I am not agreeing——

On the late sitting?

On a point of order——

I have put the question to the House: is the proposal for the late sitting today agreed? Is the Deputy raising a point of order on that specific question?

Precisely. My party have received a revised schedule of Dáil business for today and the next two days which would involve the enactment, within a very short duration of three days, of seven major Bills including a very important Bill on social welfare. May I ask the Taoiseach why this House has not been given due opportunity today, tomorrow and in succeeding days, to deal with this legislation in the normal manner——

Deputy Desmond may not ignore the Chair. Deputy Desmond, resume your seat.

——this very important Social Welfare Bill——

Deputy Desmond, resume your seat.

Through the Chair may I——

Deputy Desmond, resume your seat. For the third time I ask Deputy Desmond to resume his seat.

Before I leave——

Deputy Desmond must now leave the House.

I will leave the House in protest.

Deputy Desmond, I was prepared to afford the Deputy every opportunity. Deputy Desmond, leave the House.

If the Deputy persists I shall have to name him.

I will leave the House in protest against ramming through the Bill.

Please do, Deputy.

They are afraid to put it before the House in the normal course of events.

Deputy Desmond withdrew from the Chamber.

Is the proposal for the late sitting today agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with item No. 16 agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with item No. 18 agreed? Agreed.