It is proposed to meet on Tuesday next. I suggest that the Whips of the various Parties might meet this evening to consider the most convenient arrangement for the weeks in which the Dáil will sit up to Christmas.
Order of Business.
Could the Minister indicate what the parliamentary programme is likely to be between now and the Christmas recess, whether we are likely to have any other Bills of importance between now and the Adjournment and if so what Bills? Has he any idea as to when it is proposed to have the Christmas Adjournment?
I am sure that the Whips will be given as much information as can be given to them at this stage, as to the programme intended for the session. I would not like to answer the question without notice.
And the date of the Adjournment?
That is also a matter for the Whips.
In view of the fact that No. 4 has been on the Order Paper for some time, would the Tánaiste indicate whether it is proposed to take it on Tuesday next—the Supplementary Estimates?
We are prepared to take it this evening, if the House facilitates it by completing the debate on the Supplies and Services Bill.
Is it suggested that the Whips' meeting take place this evening?
Yes. The meeting on Tuesday had better be announced now, so that Deputies may know. The Tuesday meeting is provided for in Standing Orders, unless the House decides otherwise, but, as Deputy Norton will remember, during the previous Dáil, when the three-day meetings were necessary, there were alternative arrangements for the hours of meeting which seemed to be acceptable to Deputies, arrangements different from those in Standing Orders, and arrangements for similar sittings might be considered.
Would Wednesday, Thursday and Friday be considered rather than Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday?
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday sittings give 22½ hours. I am prepared to take any arrangement that give 22½ hours. There will be a sitting next Tuesday.
Is it proposed to take No. 1?
Yes.