Would the Tánaiste clear up one point before we proceed? On the assumption that we finish this C.I.E. Estimate the next normal parliamentary business, apart from Private Members' business, is the adjournment debate. If we finish this Estimate before the time for Private Members' business, do we start the adjournment debate?
Committee on Finance. - Business of the Dáil.
It is a matter for the Chair whether that is in order. Alternatively we could go on to Private Members' business and deal with the adjournment debate to-morrow.
If you go on to Private Members' business, you are more or less committed to it. The normal thing would be to commence the adjournment debate when this Estimate is finished.
There is no objection to that on the part of the Government.
The adjournment debate is usually the final debate.
I understood the adjournment debate took precedence over Private Members' time.
It is public business. The only doubt in my mind is whether we could carry it over to another day. I presume we could.
Can you go on to Private Members' business when you have started the adjournment debate?
No, not if the motion implied to adjourn now. Such a motion could, of course, always be withdrawn and then business would proceed as usual.
Once the adjournment is moved, it can be interrupted for Private Members' Business.
Before there is a ruling on that, the House ordered Private Members' Business for nine o'clock to-night.
I submit that a motion to adjourn the Dáil, otherwise than prescribed in Standing Orders, is a formal motion and carries exactly the same status as any other motion.
If the Tánaiste moves, at the end of the Transport Estimate, that the Dáil adjourn until 12th February, do we embark on a discussion on the motion for the Adjournment for which time has been allotted to-day and to-morrow?
I think so. Unless and until that motion is carried the Dáil would normally meet in accordance with Standing Orders.
Supposing the motion was carried right away?
At ten minutes to nine—
Major de Valera
You can agree at any time to adjourn the debate on the Adjournment.
If there was any danger of the motion finishing I should have to withdraw the motion.
Where are the optimists who are going to finish the transport debate before nine o'clock?
I do not think they will. I am quite sure we shall keep it going.
The motion could be that the Dáil at its rising tomorrow do adjourn until February 12th, 1958.
The Tánaiste can move a motion in due course in suitable terms.