It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 12—Votes 43 and 44—13, 14 and 15.
Order of Business.
May I inquire from the Taoiseach if there is any possibility of No. 4 on the Order Paper, standing in my name, being taken? This is a short Bill to amend section 20 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960.
The order as I have read it out has been agreed between the Whips. No. 4 was not discussed by the Whips. At least, it was not put forward as one of the items that might be taken before the conclusion of the term.
I wonder is the Taoiseach aware of the urgency of this matter, having regard to the fact that the licensing courts take place in September each year and that a large number of guesthouses are seriously involved? The Minister for Transport and Power did offer to assist on the Bord Fáilte Bill which we had here last week but I do not know what is happening, and I would not like the Dáil to rise and to leave these guesthouse owners in the position of not being able to get licences next September. It would be very short. If the Government agree, it is only a matter of having the word "hotel" in section 20 have the same meaning as in section 19 and section 21.
The Minister for Transport and Power did agree that there was an oversight in the drafting of the original Act and that it might be necessary to amend.
I cannot accept that the Minister for Transport and Power agreed that what Deputy Lindsay proposes to achieve in his amending Bill should be the case. There are other points of view to be considered and even if Deputy Lindsay's Bill were taken, there is no assurance that the Government would accept it.
I appreciate that but I would rather like if the Government would. I would hate that the Government would reject such a simple and useful amendment.
There are other considerations involved here.
I do not think that there is any other consideration paramount to the livelihood of families and the employment of people.
We cannot have a discussion on the matter at this stage.