It is proposed to take business on the Order Paper in the following order: Nos. 1, 5, 7 and 9. Private Deputies' business will be taken at 9 o'clock or earlier should public business be completed before 9 o'clock.
Death of President of Iceland. - Order of Business.
Is it proposed to sit on Friday this week?
No. I understand that the Minister for Justice desires to make a statement on the Government's intentions in regard to the question of child adoption.
Would the Tánaiste consider making time available for the discussion of motion No. 22 on the private Deputies' list?
It is not on my list.
It is on the back of the Order Paper.
I should want notice of that.
Perhaps I may ask the Minister about it to-morrow?
Next week.
Will you give us the time next week?
I will consider it.
There is not much business on the Order Paper. Surely the Government could give time to discuss it.
I promised to consider it. I think the Deputy would be wise to let it stand at that.
Subject to the Minister's making time available, we will let it stand. However, this is a matter of great urgency.
Mr. Byrne
There is a motion on the same page in the names of Deputy A.P. Byrne and myself. When can we get time to deal with that motion, which concerns the cost of living?
The Deputy's motion is only blah. I do not think we would give time for that.
A scheme for an Adoption Bill has been prepared in my Department and I propose to submit it to the Government in the near future for consideration with a view to the introduction of a Government-sponsored Bill.
Would the Minister not consider formally introducing the Bill in Deputy McGrath's name and in my name and then bringing in the Government's proposals as amendments?
As far as I can see, that Bill could not be suitably amended. Deputies will be free to offer amendments to the Government Bill.
Perhaps the best thing to do would be to leave the notice on the Order Paper until such time as the Minister introduces the Bill.
When will the Minister introduce it?
I am not quite sure, but I expect to have it during the present session.
Will the other Bill be discharged when you bring in yours?