It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2 and 11 to 19 inclusive as on the Order Paper. It is proposed that consideration of Government business be not interrupted at the time fixed for taking Private Members' Business.
Order of Business.
Could the Taoiseach say what business it is expected to conclude before the Summer Recess?
I think that information has been communicated to the Whips and it might, perhaps, be a good idea that the Whips should get together to have another look at it.
Will the Taoiseach say if that list represents the opening gambit by the Government or whether it is the irreducible minimum?
It represents the business that it is necessary to get passed this session. We have already deleted any business that could possibly be held over.
Is it intended that there should be any Summer Recess at all?
Yes: I even have hopes that we might find it possible to adjourn at the end of next week.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there are eleven Bills down for Second Reading?
I appreciate that and that is why I say my hope is that we may finish somewhere towards the end of next week.
May we take it that the ordinary time will be allowed for Report and Final Stages of each measure?
Certainly. Indeed, that is exactly what we are trying to do. We shall certainly ensure that the normal interval between the Stages will be given to allow Deputies full opportunity to put down amendments, if they so desire.
May I take it that there is no flexibility about this list?
No, not about the list given to the Whips. As the Deputies know, quite a number of measures have been dropped from that list.
Then, it seems we shall be here for another fortnight at least. Does not that rule out the optimism about next week?
Except that I do not think any of these measures are contentious in principle, while I recognise that Deputies may wish to improve them in detail. That is the foundation of my optimism that we might get through by the end of next week, even if it meant sitting on Friday.
Most of these measures have been introduced only recently and the urgency appears to have arisen lately.
Even the members of the Government Party have not had a chance to read them yet.
They had not only a chance to read them but a chance to discuss them. We spent the whole morning at it.
Does the Taoiseach not admit that the House is being asked to discuss quite a large number of measures of very serious import at the moment and does he not realise that it is important for the people generally as well as the members of Parliament that they should have some chance of estimating the object in view and the possibilities of achieving that object through the measures suggested?
I want to make it quite clear that the Government have no desire to rush consideration of these measures at all. When I expressed the hope that we might finish at the end of next week, it was no more than that and perhaps putting a good idea into the minds of Deputies; but if it is desired to continue into the following week, certainly the Government will have no objection.
Have not the two Bank Bills become urgent?
They will take only half-an-hour. One of them is required in this session because of certain proceedings that are taking place.
Can the Taoiseach not recall that we met frequently for just one day per week earlier in the year?
The Deputy has not got that complaint now.
We are only extending the time by this discussion.
Is there any reason why we could not meet in the mornings?
That could be discussed with the Whips.