Business will be taken as on the Order Paper—Nos. 9, 10 and 8, and, in No. 10, Votes 27, 52, 63, 64 and 6. It is proposed to take No. 8 after Vote 64.
Order of Business.
The Minister will remember that on last Friday, when Vote No. 52 was ordered for to-day, it was agreed that it would not be taken to-day unless there was agreement to-day to take it to-day. The Minister for Finance himself so stated. So far as that Vote is concerned, we cannot agree to its being taken to-day unless a copy of the agreement is circulated. It seems to us essential, in order to discuss this Vote, that a copy of the agreement entered into between Aer Linte and the American company would be made available to Deputies in the Dáil who wish to discuss this matter.
I take it that the question will arise for more detailed consideration when the Tánaiste is present and when the Vote itself is being taken.
Perhaps the Minister would recall that the Tánaiste said last week that he would be in a position to-day to indicate the date of resumption for the next session.
Subject to further consideration, it is hoped to resume on the 4th February.
I take it that Vote 52, in view of what has been said, has been taken out of the Order of Business. Last Friday the Minister said most specifically that it would not be taken to-day unless it was agreed to take it. I do not think it will be reached, but I want to guard against the possibility of its being taken to-day.
If it is not within the region of practical possibility, what is the use in discussing it before we reach it?
Could the Minister say what proposals it is proposed to ask the House to put through before it adjourns on Friday next?
That is a matter for further discussion afterwards between the Whips.
Can we get that information from the Government side?
Perhaps to-morrow.
It was specifically agreed that Vote 52 would not be taken to-day unless we agreed to do so. We cannot agree to do so in the absence of the text of the agreement.
"Business as on the Order Paper" means in such manner——
Is Vote 52 going to be left out of the Order of Business? If it is left in the Order of Business we know what value to place on the Minister's undertaking.
I have no reason to believe that there was not agreement not to take it to-day, but even if there was, surely it can remain on the Order Paper? It is the Government's prerogative to order the business of the House.
It is not correctly ordered for to-day as it was only introduced last Friday and four days have not yet expired. We specifically waived the four days' time limit on the Minister's undertaking that it might be left over.
If it is going to annoy Deputy Sweetman so much, this being the season of peace and good-will, we shall withdraw it from the Order of Business for to-day.
If I have got the Minister for Finance to do something even in the interests of peace and good-will, then I have achieved a lot.
Could we have the Order of Business then.
Nos. 9, 10 and 8 and in No. 10 Votes 27, 63, 64 and 6. No. 8 to be taken after Vote 64 and then to resume the order.