It is proposed to take business in the following order: Items Nos. A1, 7, 6, 4, 2 and 9. Private Deputies' Business will be taken at 9 p.m., or earlier if Government Business has concluded.
Order of Business.
This day fortnight, I asked the Taoiseach if he would make available public time for the discussion of a motion on the cost of living and the Taoiseach asked me to defer the matter for three weeks owing to the illness of the Minister. While I am very pleased, as I am sure the House will be pleased, to learn that the Minister is making excellent progress, I understand that it will be some considerable time before he is able to take his place in the House, and in the circumstances I must again request the Taoiseach to make public time available for this motion at the earliest possible moment. It is a matter of grave importance to the community and I want it taken as quickly as possible.
The first business is item No. A1, the Bill which has been circulated.
May I have a statement from the Taoiseach?
The Deputy will have ample opportunity on the Supplies and Services Bill of raising every point that could possibly be raised on his motion.
I will not be satisfied with that. I want time for the discussion of a motion of censure with regard to the cost of living.
So far as I am concerned, I will give no time for a motion of censure on a particular Minister while he is ill.
I shall have to consider what is to be done with regard to that.