It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 6, 4 and 7. It is proposed that the consideration of Government business be not interrupted this evening for the taking of Private Deputies' Business.
Order of Business.
When is it intended to take No. 2 on the Order Paper?
Next week, if that will suit the Deputy.
Might I ask the Taoiseach if, in view of the importance of No. 6 on the Order Paper and the fact that a large number of Deputies will be anxious to be present in the House for the full consideration of this stage, he would agree that the House should rise for a tea interval from 6 o'clock until 7 o'clock?
I support Captain Cowan's suggestion.
I have no personal objection to the suggestion. In fact, it might be a great case to myself, but I am informed that if the suggestion were adopted it would tax the resources of the restaurant and its staff beyond practical capacity to discharge the claims that would be made on it.
I think we could overcome that obstacle if we were allowed a certain period of time in which to go outside. I think it would not look well or be right that a Bill of this importance should be discussed over a period of two hours with only a handful of Deputies in the House.
I am certainly prepared to adopt the suggestion, if that is the desire of the House.
Would the Taoiseach consider taking some other business between 6 o'clock and 7 o'clock?
No, I think not. Could we have the views of the Opposition on the subject?
Might I point out that if Deputies only were to go to the restaurant it might be possible to cater for them all?
Mr. de Valera
Such a step has not been customary.
I quite appreciate that. My attitude is that if the House wishes it I am prepared to fall in with their desires.
We are not pressing for it.
Do you oppose Captain Cowan's suggestion?
I do not think we have a strong enough opinion on that.
We will carry on, so.
Is it the position then that the Taoiseach cannot agree to the suggestion?
Apparently the general view is that it would not be practicable.
I understand from the Leader of the Opposition that he is not opposing it.
My view is that a suggestion of this kind should not be raised in this House without notice. There is a Committee on Procedure and Privileges to which it should have been referred. It is wrong to have such suggestions sprung on the House for consideration.
Until the Taoiseach states the order of business I have no idea what is to be discussed. I would not have raised this matter otherwise.
The Deputy might have guessed.