May I intervene with a suggestion at this stage? As I understand it, the intention is that the Seanad will meet tomorrow morning at 10.30. In order to facilitate a full discussion of the Bill, I would suggest that, if necessary, we continue discussion until 10 a.m. and conclude not later than 10 a.m. and at that stage, if the discussion is not concluded, let it be concluded in time for the Seanad to take it. That will enable, I suggest, adequate time to be made available to the House for a discussion of it. I think we are all anxious that the matter should be adequately and properly discussed. In view of the time that has elapsed since the motion was originally introduced, I would suggest that, if necessary, we continue until 10 a.m. and then let the Bill go to the Seanad. I know that that may involve some physical strain on the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Committee on Finance. - Electricity (Special Provisions) Bill, 1966: Allocation of Time.
It is clear to us that if this were put to a vote, the vast majority of the Members of the House would vote for a guillotine at 10.30 tonight. The Taoiseach knows our attitude—the same as it was in 1961. We want a free vote. We would be prepared to continue discussion until 10.30 tonight and resume at 10.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. tomorrow.
The trouble is that the Seanad will be meeting, I presume, from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. I am sure the Seanad would agree to sit after 5 p.m. The Bill would have to reach them before 5 p.m. Would the Deputy agree to 3 p.m. tomorrow?
4.30 p.m. It does not take very long to get these Bills to the Seanad, usually.
3.30 p.m. I am sure it would be possible to arrange.
Make it 4 p.m.
I will see about getting agreement in the Seanad to sit late if we agree to 4 p.m.
This debate will continue until what time?
4 p.m.
Does it continue through the night?
It stops at 10.30 p.m. tonight and resumes at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.
Could it be arranged that questions would not be taken until after the conclusion of the debate?
Questions could be taken at 4 p.m.
I do not understand.
The position, as I understand it, is that we discuss this Bill until 10.30 tonight and, if not finished—it is unlikely that it will be finished—it will be resumed at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow and concluded not later than 4 p.m. tomorrow.
In other words, we substitute "4 p.m. on Wednesday, 8th" for "10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 7th".
Without interruption for questions.
How are we going to discuss the motion?
The motion will not be discussed. It can be agreed or voted on on that basis.
Mr. O'Leary
If a settlement is reached and negotiations are going on, will the Government reconsider?
If a settlement is reached, the Bill will not become effective. The Bill becomes effective only if there is complete disruption of the electricity supply. The motion, as I understand, is now an agreed motion, subject to "4 p.m. on Wednesday, 8th" being substituted for "10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 7th" in the motion.
The date is changed.
No interruption for questions.
You might want another order for that.
Lest there be any misapprehension in this calamity which has developed, the final vote will be taken at 4 p.m. That does not at all imply that there will not be strenuous opposition to this Bill.
I appreciate that. The motion is agreed on the basis of that change.
It is terrible the way we have to do the Government's work.
This is the work of the Dáil.
The amended motion is agreed to.