It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 15, 10, 11, and 16. Private Members' Business will be taken at 9 p.m.
Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach state when it is proposed to take No. 14 on the Order Paper?
On Thursday of next week.
Could it be taken, say, on tomorrow?
It has been arranged for Thursday of next week. The whole day will be available for it.
When is it proposed to take No. 8?
I am prepared to order it for any time the Deputy wishes, but I wish him to know that we intend to oppose it.
I should be glad if it were taken as early as possible. I would ask the Taoiseach to consider the question as to whether a Bill submitted by four responsible members of the Front Bench of the Opposition should be refused an opportunity of printing. The Government can oppose the Bill on Second Reading, but I think we ought to have the right to have it printed.
The Deputy will agree it is most desirable that the road traffic code should be contained in one Act. A Government Bill has been introduced and has already been circulated. I think it would be preposterous to have two Road Traffic Bills going through the Dáil at the same time. In view of the fact that the Government Bill has been circulated, I suggest the Deputy should withdraw his Bill and seek to amend the Government Bill.
I shall argue that gladly with the Taoiseach on the proper occasion. To return to the Order of Business, the purpose of this Bill is to deal with what appears to us to be an emergency situation which might appropriately be dealt with promptly while a more comprehensive code is under consideration. I can freely concede the Government's view, but I suggest it would help us considerably if the customary courtesy were accorded to the Front Bench of the Opposition that the Bill be printed.
I am prepared to cooperate but I think we would look foolish if we had two Road Traffic Bills going through the House at the same time.
Surely if the Taoiseach will come so far with me as to name a day for the business to be taken, he will at least allow the First Stage? He may oppose it on the Second Stage.
I assume the Deputy was concerned to put down this Bill at a time when the contemplated Government Bill had not appeared. Now that it has appeared and is to be discussed in the Dáil in the near future, I suggest the Opposition should consider withdrawing their proposals.
We are trying to deal with one small net point.
I should think that the Government Bill will be enacted in this session of the Dáil and I do not think it is reasonable to expect any more expedition. If the Opposition Whips will tell the Government Whips when they wish this to be ordered, we shall order it.
We should be glad to have it tomorrow.
Mr. Ryan
I should like to give notice that I desire to raise the subject matter of Question No. 1 on the Adjournment tonight.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.