The motion before the House is that the House adjourn to-night. Therefore, I suppose, I cannot raise something on the adjournment?
Business of Dáil.
When the matter arises we shall decide.
Perhaps I can raise it in the general debate?
We are taking the Adjournment motion now.
Very well. I shall bring the Minister for Defence in on that.
Sir, will the Dáil adjourn this evening?
I wish I knew.
I think it would be desirable to sit late if we are to finish and be done with it.
I would not agree with that. I think if we cannot conclude this discussion by 11 p.m. it would be better to leave it over until tomorrow.
Or next week.
It seems that this motion must be decided this week.
I might come as far as 12 o'clock with the Taoiseach.
I thought it had been decided that the Taoiseach be called at 10 o'clock?
No, there was no agreement.
No, the proposal was only put.
(Interruptions.)
If Deputy Sweetman will agree to a compromise, I think 11.30 would be more reasonable.
I think I would compromise with 12 o'clock.
I am compromising with 11.30 p.m.
We have gone two hours——
I shall make this counter-offer. I shall compromise with 11.30 and settle for three-quarters of an hour for myself.
I think we shall agree to that.
It is agreed, then, that we take the vote on the motion at 11.30 and that I be called on at 10.45?
Was there not a discussion with the Whips yesterday?
Yes, but I do not think agreement was reached.
I was under the impression that there was a discussion— I do not know if Deputy Sweetman was there——
I was not.
——and that the effect of the discussion was that the Taoiseach would be called at 10 and the Dáil would adjourn at 11 p.m.?
The suggestion was put forward, I understand, but was not agreed on.
The proposal now is that the Taoiseach be called on at 10.45 and that the Dáil adjourn at 11?
Yes.
That means that members of the Government will be in bed before 12.
And that the Deputy will also get his beauty sleep.
I think the Whips ought to meet about this. There is no point in making an agreement with this kind of discussion.
I think it is agreed now.
It is agreed that the Taoiseach be called at 10.45?
Agreed and ordered accordingly.