It is proposed to take business as on the Order Paper: Items Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive. I wonder if an understanding could be arrived at by the House as to the hour of the adjournment to-day. It may be desired to have a long discussion on the Emergency Powers Bill and, consequently, it may be necessary to move a motion that the House sit late. I would like to know if the House could give us any indication as to what hour it would wish to continue to sit till. It has been intimated to me that a number of Deputies from the country would like to catch their trains in the afternoon.
Order of Business.
Mr. Cosgrave
I think the discussion ought to finish by 2 o'clock. In connection with the motion that I propose to move, I do not intend to keep the House very long. I think there ought to be general agreement to finish at 2 o'clock.
Do any of the other Parties wish to say anything on the matter?
We are prepared to agree to 2 o'clock.
And the Labour Party?
Mr. Larkin
Yes, 2 o'clock.
May we take it then that there is agreement in the House that the Dáil will not sit after 2 o'clock?
I would like to make it clear that it is not an order enforceable by the Chair.
Mr. Cosgrave
Take the motion to conclude at 1.30.
I take it then that all Parties are agreed that the Minister concluding the debate will rise not later than 1.30.
Mr. Cosgrave
It is the one and only thing upon which we are agreed.
Then, I take it, it will not be necessary to move a motion to sit late.
Mr. Cosgrave
No.
That may be considered later.
We have the agreement of all Parties expressed by Deputy Cosgrave, Deputy Donnellan and Deputy Larkin. The agreement is that the House will adjourn at 2 o'clock.
Some Deputies have asked for the date to which it is proposed to adjourn.
Mr. Cosgrave
With the business finished?
Yes.
Mr. Cosgrave
What is the date proposed?
I understand that there has been tentative agreement, in discussion with the Whips of the various Parties, that the Dáil should adjourn to 13th or 20th October, whichever date is desired.