It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 13.
Order of Business.
Might I inquire, in connection with the Order of Business, the proposed duration of No. 13?
I think it was generally understood that the debate would last today and tomorrow and conclude at the start of Question Time, Question Time being brought forward a little if that were possible. The Labour Party have expressed their agreement with this arrangement. In the last hour I have heard that Fine Gael are not prepared to agree.
We would suggest that if necessary—I cannot say at this stage how the debate will go—the debate should not end tomorrow and if time is needed let it continue next week.
I think it is desirable, from many points of view, that the debate should conclude tomorrow and I thought that was generally agreed. It is desirable at least from the point of view that we have about 330 questions left on the Order Paper and at the rate we are going today if we were to finish them it would take about 8 hours. As well as that, we have practically all the Estimates left for debate during the current session and some important legislation as well. From that point of view and from others it would be desirable for us to conclude this debate tomorrow.
While I appreciate what the Taoiseach has said, the Taoiseach will, I think, agree that the topic that it is proposed to discuss on the Adjournment debate is of greater urgency and of greater concern to the country than a number of matters which are either on the Order Paper or being contemplated. Perhaps, at this stage it would be better not to fix a definite time for its conclusion and see how the debate runs and decide then when it should end.
I am prepared to leave it for further discussion with the Whips but I would urge on the Leader of the Fine Gael Party to try, as well as he can, to facilitate the closure of the debate by tomorrow.
I am always most reasonable.
Let us put that to the test.
Their idea of reasonableness is to fall in with their plans.
I thought this was fixed until about an hour ago.
Oh no, on the contrary when I was in touch with the Taoiseach's office some days ago I got a different one.