It is proposed to take No. 18.
Order of Business.
Can the Taoiseach say whether the debate on the EEC will continue next week?
That depends mainly on the Opposition.
Yes, but may I ask what the Taoiseach's disposition is towards the continuation of the debate? Will it be interrupted by the Finance Bill or any other Bill?
I cannot say that, because there are certain statutory limitations about the passage of the Finance Bill that will have to be looked into.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention to produce any motion on it?
There is a motion before the House.
Is the Taoiseach putting it to a formal vote?
I have put a motion before the House and it is a matter for the House to deal with it as it sees fit.
Will the Taoiseach say what are the limitations he is talking about with regard to the Finance Bill?
There are certain statutory limitations about the contents of any Finance Bill, limitations as to time and the passage of the Bill itself.
But surely not within the next week?
Not within the next week, but we have to have regard to the fact that the Committee Stage has not yet been reached and the Seanad will have to deal with it also. If there are recommendations from the Seanad the Dáil will have to deal with them. There are statutory problems.
Surely the Taoiseach is not suggesting that an important question such as the debate now before the House should be interrupted, or does he consider that this matter should be dealt with in a day and then we can forget about the EEC?
I made no suggestion whatever to that effect. When I was asked by Deputy Cosgrave last week whether there would be any limitation on the length of the debate on the White Paper on the EEC I said there would not. What I said now in direct reply to Deputy O'Leary was that, having regard to certain statutory limitations as to time in the case of the Finance Bill, I cannot undertake that this debate will not be interrupted by the Finance Bill.
Not this week?
Not this week.
It need not be next week either.
There is a limitation on the Second Stage.
Yes, but not one which ensures that we must take it next week. The Minister should know that even though he is only a short time in his office.
The social welfare benefits come into force in August and we cannot deprive the people of their benefits.
Of their holidays? Some people might be deprived of their holidays.
No, of their social welfare benefits.
I will not see the Parliamentary Secretary here in the middle of August or anyone else from that side of the House.