It is proposed to take business in the following order; Nos. 1, 2, 3, 12—Votes 57 and 58—and 4 and then back to No. 12—Votes 64 and 65. It is not proposed to interrupt Public Business to take Private Members' Business.
C.I.E. Stock Issue. - Order of Business.
Last week, we were told that the Minister for Industry and Commerce was anxious to have his Estimate taken this week. With that co-operation which is so characteristic of the Opposition, we decided to facilitate him in the matter before he takes up his new appointment. Yesterday, quite suddenly, without any explanation we were told there had been a change and that the Minister would not be ready until after 27th May. That is all right, but I certainly think somebody ought to be consulted when a thing like that happens. I understand the Minister has to go away.
I regret any inconvenience that may have been caused by the change, but it is due to the fact that, as Deputies are aware, it will not be possible for me to be here on Tuesday next and it was felt that it would be undesirable to take the Estimate to-day and then to have to interpose some other Estimate at that stage. I would indeed be anxious to get the Estimate for the Department of industry and Commerce fairly soon and I hope it will be possible to do so next week.
Do we take it on Wednesday of next week? There is no sitting on Thursday next.
The intention will be to take it on Wednesday, but whatever Estimate is under discussion on to-morrow evening, will continue until it has been completed. In other words, I do not think we should interrupt the discussion on some other Estimate to bring in the Estimate for the Department of Industry and Commerce. Assuming that position can be arranged, the Estimate for the Department of Industry and Commerce will be taken on Wednesday next.
But if another Estimate is under consideration, it will fall behind the other Estimate?
That would be so. In other words, the Estimate for the Department of Industry and Commerce will not be taken after Questions. It will be taken after the discussion on whatever business is then in progress.
The Health Estimate is before it.
That will be starting to-day.
That might not finish for a month.
Do not be so pessimistic.
Am I to take it that the Estimates will be taken according to the order in which they appear on the Order Paper, subject to the Tánaiste being away for the Estimate for the Department of Industry and Commerce?
If the Health Estimate should finish by to-morrow, or Tuesday, I think we will put in the Estimate for the Board of Works to keep business going.
Are we not taking the Estimate for Social Welfare after the Health Estimate.?
No. I gather there is a request from the Labour Party to postpone it.
Social Welfare will be all right for next week, but, before finalising this arrangement, I suggest we might have another talk about the order of these Estimates.
That can be arranged.
Is it intended to put Public Works before Posts and Telegraphs?
Yes.