If there is no objection, I move that public business be not interrupted at 12 o'clock to-day. It is rather a pity, I think, to interrupt discussion on an important estimate. Last night the Estimate for Fisheries and Gaeltacht Services was under discussion for a little over an hour. I do not think it would be good business to interrupt discussion on it to-day at 12 o'clock and have it coming on again perhaps on Wednesday next. If discussion on the Estimate is allowed to go on to-day without interruption, I undertake to facilitate private business later on.
Business of the Dáil.
We agree that this is an important Estimate. We would like that the discussion on it would be as continuous as possible until the debate finishes. A Bill that we have introduced has been under discussion on a couple of occasions. We do not know whether, if the discussion on it were resumed at 12 o'clock to-day, we would be able to finish it, but we would not like that the discussion on that Bill—the Old Age Pensions Bill—should be prolonged indefinitely by a breaking up of the time allowed for discussion of private members' Bills. Would it be possible for the President to say if private members' time next week is also to be claimed by the Government?
No. It would be desirable, I think, to have a discussion amongst the Whips with a view to getting accommodation both ways. that is in the matter of finishing the discussion next week on the Old Age Pensions Bill, and as I hope finishing the discussion to-day on this Estimate, as well as making other arrangements in regard to business generally.
The discussion, therefore, on Vote No. 54 will not be interrupted at 12 o'clock to-day. With regard to private members' business, items 7 and 8 on the Order Paper are for the making of two orders. The Deputies concerned expect these to be taken at 12 o'clock to-day. In view of the decision of the House just taken, the motions for the making of these two orders will be taken on Wednesday next after Questions.