It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 6 and 7. Questions will be taken at 3 o'clock.
Order of Business.
First of all, I take it that if the business is finished before 3 o'clock, questions will be taken immediately on the conclusion of the business?
Secondly, in relation to the business for the rest of this session, the Tánaiste gave us some preliminary information a fortnight ago yesterday, as to the business he hoped to have. Some of the Bills which he then mentioned have not yet come along. Therefore, I should like the Tánaiste to give us to-day an indication in more precise terms of the business it is required to dispose of this session, and of the sittings which the Government propose. In those sittings, I would ask him to set aside sufficient time to have a discussion on the motion on the External Affairs policy of the Government, which was tabled officially on behalf of this Party last night. I would ask him also to bear in mind that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House, we shall ask for adequate time to have a full debate on the present economic position and the lack of constructive and positive policy by the Government since they acceded to office.
A very tendentious statement.
And so intended.
As far as next week is concerned, the business will be, if it is agreeable, the further stages—or if not agreed, the Second Readings—of the Agricultural Institute Bill and the Tourist Bill.
Even if the Tánaiste is away?
I do not imagine that it is beyond the resources of the Government to provide an adequate substitute. It is also proposed to take the Gas Bill, the Local Loans Bill, the Scholarship Exchange Bill, and the Report and Final Stages of the Gaeltacht Industries Bill and the Children Bill. So far as the Supplementary Estimate is concerned, the proposal is that I would make the statement of policy on the Estimate and that the debate would then be adjourned to the following week.
With regard to the further measures, there are some Bills on the list I announced earlier, which have not yet been circulated. Of these, I think the only one which must certainly be passed in this session is the Rent Restrictions (Continuation) Bill and I shall undertake to have the circulation of that Bill expedited. It is, of course, a formal Bill.
It is purely a Continuation Bill, is it not?
There are some amendments, but I do not think they are of substance. With regard to other Bills not yet circulated, I will have the position checked between now and Wednesday next, but I think I can say to the Dáil that none of them is of such a character that they must be passed within the present session, although it might be desirable to get them out of the way, if it can be done. I hope to be able to give a complete programme for the session, say, on Wednesday next. Indeed, on the basis of the present indication as to what the business will be, I think we can think possibly of an adjournment after another two weeks. We will be agreeable to give time for the motion which has been tabled by the Opposition regarding External Affairs and also give time for an Adjournment Debate. The details of the arrangements for taking these two matters can perhaps, be discussed between the Whips.
Might I suggest, in view of the business which the Tánaiste has suggested for next week scarcely being adequate for the week, that next week would be a suitable time?