It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 2, 4, 14, 5, 9 (Vote 58) and then No. 12. It is proposed to interrupt the discussion on the Vote on Account between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to take item 9 (Vote 58) and then No. 12.
Order of Business.
Is it proposed to sit on Tuesday of next week?
May I inquire whether there is any foundation for the statement made by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons yesterday that the Minister for Finance would make a statement in this House to-day in regard to the position of Ireland and the sterling area?
I should have got notice of that question, surely.
It is probably irregular that an announcement of that kind should be made in the British House of Commons.
Wait and see.
On the Order of Business, would the Tánaiste tell us when we are going to see the Social Welfare Bill that has been promised?
Within a shorter time than three years.
Would the Tánaiste answer my question?
The Deputy can raise it on the next motion.
Are you going to move that motion to-day?
Now.
May I inquire whether No. 15 on the Order Paper will have any prospect of being considered? I fully appreciate that the Government will be preoccupied by financial business. Would there be any possibility of providing any time for it such as the evening break in the main business on some future day?
It does not look at the moment as if there will be any possibility of providing time for Private Deputies' Business until the Vote on Account and the consequential financial business has been disposed of.
I take it that the Tánaiste will keep the matter under review. I feel that the continued operation of the present situation does involve individuals in real hardship.