Is there some confusion about the date of resumption?
Local Government (Rates) (No. 2) Bill, 1969: First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for schemes by rating authorities for the waiver of rates, to provide for the payment of rates in instalments in certain cases, and to provide for other matters connected with the matters aforesaid.— (Minister for Local Government.)
Second Stage ordered for first sitting day after the summer recess.
May I come in on this? There is some doubt as to how long the repairs will take. I was given a period of 12 weeks but that may be cutting it fine. A period of 12 weeks could permit a resumption on the 22nd October.
It could be provisional.
Provisional, yes.
Would it be correct and proper to assume that if this Chamber is not available on 22nd October the Dáil could meet elsewhere in the city?
It could, of course.
Would the Taoiseach be able to tell us more on the Adjournment?
I think I know as much as I can know now, when one takes account of the contractor's opinion as to how long the job will take. I was informed that it would take about 12 weeks and, counting from today, that would be the week before the 22nd of October. I am giving a little margin to go to the 22nd.
Other people, particularly in the Civil Service, have been discommoded because premises in which they worked have been undergoing repairs which is the position contemplated by this House. I do not think this should involve the Dáil in having an unduly long recess.
I have cut it to the bone in accordance with the estimate of time I have been given.
Can we get an assurance from the Taoiseach that he will not rule out the possibility of this Parliament meeting in some other place in this city?
If it is necessary— certainly.