It is proposed to take business as on the Order Paper: Items Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4—in Item No. 4, the Justice group of Estimates, followed by the Social Welfare group, and then the Estimate for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
Order of Business.
What exactly are the proposals for finishing work before the recess?
The various Estimates for which the Minister for Social Welfare is responsible must be passed before the recess. It is hoped that they will be finished to-day or to-morrow. If they should not be finished by 2 o'clock to-morrow, we shall move to sit late to finish them, but if they are finished before that time, we would not move to sit late for the purpose of taking the Posts and Telegraphs Estimate. The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, in fact, is not anxious to commence the discussion of that Estimate, unless it is clear that there is a reasonable prospect of completing it before the Adjournment, so that the urgent business is the business in progress, the Justice group of Estimates and the Estimates for which the Minister for Social Welfare is responsible.
In view of the fact that the discussion on the Social Welfare Estimates may be protracted, can the Tánaiste say whether there is any technical reason why these Estimates should be passed before the recess?
The increased payments to recipients of social benefits cannot become effective on 1st April unless these Estimates are passed.
Has it been definitely decided to sit to-morrow?
Yes; I think the Deputy can take it that we will sit to-morrow.
To finish the Justice Estimates and the Social Welfare Estimates?
Yes. If business should progress more rapidly, the Estimate for Posts and Telegraphs has also been ordered, but it is not regarded as urgent.
Could the Tánaiste say when the Minister for Finance will make his Budget statement?
No.
Although we are returning to work on 16th April, the Budget will not be taken until well on in May?
It is not usually taken before the first week of May.