Business, as set out on the Order Paper, will be taken in the following order: Nos. 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11—Votes 29 and 23. Private Members' Business will be taken from 6 to 7.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach whether he is prepared to consider, in connection with No. 11 on the Order Paper, taking the Estimate for Finance and breaking it down into the different sub-estimates which come under that particular Estimate, No. 6? The reason I ask is that No. 18, which is included in the Estimate for Finance, relates to Law Charges. Would it be possible for the Taoiseach to have that taken separately?
It is the normal practice to discuss all Estimate-groups together on the Estimate for the main Department. It is open to the Deputy to move an amendment to refer back the Estimate.
I understand that as far as procedure is concerned, it is not possible for us to move back a discussion on No. 18, unless it is put down separately on the Order Paper. We have no objection to the remainder of the Estimates that come under the Minister for Finance.
I am sure the Dáil Office will be able to advise the Deputy as to how he can get an amendment which will be in order and which will enable him to discuss a particular point.
It is suggested that the only way it can be done is by allowing No. 18 to appear on the Order Paper, as the other Estimates do at present.
As a matter of recording fact, when it was agreed to take token Estimates, it was likewise agreed that a token Estimate would be introduced in respect of any particular subsidiary Estimate on which a discussion was desired.
I received a request in respect of An Chomhairie Ealaíon.
Would the Taoiseach also consider allowing—this question cannot be dealt with in a technical way—Motion No. 28 to be taken in conjunction with Estimate No. 18, Law Charges?
I should not be prepared to answer that question without considering it.
Are we at liberty to put down a motion to refer back Estimate No. 18? May we take it that the Taoiseach has no objection?
The motion will have to be to token Estimate No. 6. I am sure a device can be found, if the Deputy will consult the Dáil Office.
We have no objection to the other Estimates and therefore we do not want to include a blanket reference back, covering all the others.
The Deputy need not restrain himself in that way.
We shall take the Taoiseach's hint.