It is proposed to take No. 7 on the Order Paper, and in No. 7, Votes Nos. 41 and the Supplementary Estimate, Votes Nos. 8 and 26. Questions will be taken at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Could the Taoiseach say if it is the intention of the Government to dispose of the Estimates before the legislation on the Order Paper?
I have not given that close attention but the hope is that we will clear the Estimates in due time at the end of this session and, if that appears not likely to happen, we will have to give the Estimates precedence.
It is not a question of hoping; it has got to be done.
There are the Broadcasting (Offences) Bill and other items.
If we make progress with the Estimates, we can concentrate on details of legislation then. We could look at the end of the day to see what the position will be in the next two weeks.
Would the Taoiseach's Vote be the last for discussion in the week at the end before the Adjournment?
That would be the most convenient way, to have my Vote at the end.
These Estimates must be passed before the 31st December. Could the Taoiseach give us an idea when it is proposed to adjourn for the Christmas Recess so that Deputies will have an idea exactly about the position?
I cannot remember what day Christmas Day is but my recollection is that there will be a clear week just shortly before Christmas Day, and I would hope we would be free of business in that week.
The Taoiseach is aware that there will be two short weeks?
So long as we do not have to lump all the business into two weeks.
I see that Christmas Day is a Monday.
That is the Minister for Transport and Power's diary; no wonder the buses are late.
It would seem to be desirable to be free the whole week before Christmas Day.
Then we would adjourn on the 14th or 15th?
If necessary we could sit longer and sit on extra days.
Actually, there are two short weeks. There is some kind of meeting next week which is not very important and maybe it could be postponed.
We shall consult early next week and we will have a programme laid out.