It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 9, 10—Votes 8 and 26; Questions at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
I give notice that I should like to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the position of Irish troops in Cyprus in the light of the tense Greek/Turkish situation there.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Dunne.
Before we proceed to the business as ordered, I should like to say a word about the business for the remainder of the session. In view of the fact that the devaluation decision is likely to be debated next week with the Finance group of Estimates, there might be some problem about finishing in time to enable the Seanad to get a reasonable opportunity to debate the Appropriation Bill. As I see it at present, excluding today, we would have normally nine sitting days up to and including Thursday, 14th December. That may not give ample time to complete all our business but certainly if, as I should like to see happening, the Seanad is to have the opportunity of discussing the Appropriation Bill during that week, that is to say, on Wednesday, 13th, and Thursday, 14th, it would be necessary to clear all the Estimates from this House during the week commencing Tuesday, 4th December. I was wondering whether the Whips could not get together to discuss the programme and to see whether or not it would be desirable to sit extra days or longer hours.
I think that is a good thing: we can arrange that.
When does the Taoiseach propose to set down the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill for Committee Stage?
In present circumstances, I am afraid Estimates will have to get priority and depending on the progress we can make with the Estimates, we can arrange for the setting down of that and other Bills before the House.
But not next week?
Most unlikely next week.
Thank you.