May I raise a matter with the Taoiseach? This morning the Pensions (Increase) Bill was circulated. It is a most technical measure. I thought the Minister for Finance might be here. He is obviously having his lunch after the other Bill. Would it be possible before the Pensions (Increase) Bill is taken on Second Stage to circulate an explanatory memorandum with it?
Business of Dáil.
I shall inquire. While it is a technical Bill, I think it is very largely a repetition of earlier measures.
Would the Taoiseach say whether it is desired to get all Stages of that Bill before the Christmas Recess?
Yes. Speaking off the cuff, I think I am correct in saying that the pensions are, in fact, being paid and that it is a question of getting legal authority for the payment.
Some of the pensioners think the Bill is designed to deprive them of getting what they should get and, therefore, want a chance of amending it in the time available.
There are very few people in the country who think they are getting what they should get.
They are not far wrong.
Including Deputies.
They are not far wrong.
I am afraid that some of the amendments I should like to put down would be out of order. Can the Taoiseach as yet give us any indication of when the Dáil will rise for Christmas?
I am afraid not. I shall try to get some indication of a programme next week.
Will the Taoiseach say whether the Minister for Health has any more inspired questions before Christmas that might delay the adjournment?
The Deputy will get the same result by curtailing the number of supplementaries.
The Taoiseach knows him as well as we do. We understand. We have a fellow feeling.