It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1 and 16; in No. 16 Votes 37, 42 and 42 Supplementary; Nos. 17, 18 and 19. It is proposed to take No. 16— Votes 37 and 42—from after Questions until 6 p.m. and to take Nos. 17, 18 and 19 from 7.30 p.m. Private Members' Business from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.; business to be taken being No. 33 and, by agreement, then No. 37.
Order of Business.
Would the Taoiseach consider having statements made tomorrow after questions rather than at 6.0 p.m. today?
I am in the hands of the Deputies opposite. I should like to facilitate them.
Does the Taoiseach still rule out a limited discussion?
I think a statement on the part of the three leaders on behalf of their parties should suffice at this stage. I do not think discussion is necessary. I am completely in the hands of the Opposition leaders as to the time. I suggested 6 o'clock as being a time that might give the two Deputies a chance to decide what they had to say. I would hope that what they would have to say would be only a matter of a minute or two so that we could carry on with business.
I consider that a somewhat pious resolution. I do not say there will be much disagreement in this House regarding the use of force but I think Members—not necessarily the three party leaders—should be allowed to contribute. I think that within a limited time—three or four hours— Members of the House should have an opportunity of giving their views.
I think the Deputy appeared to be satisfied with my suggestion when he sat down a few minutes ago. I think he still ought to accept the suggestion.
How does the Taoiseach think that? I did not say yes, aye, or no.
The Deputy nodded.
Nods are not on the record.
Would it not be possible in a limited debate to confine the discussion to spokesmen in this area? This would be possible in a four hour discussion. All we are seeking to do is to put the will of Dáil Éireann on this matter on record at this time. We think it would have an important influence on the course of events.
The world knows the attitude of the Members of Dáil Éireann towards the problem generally.
Not all Members.
I certainly am in a position to speak for all my party and I should imagine the leaders opposite can do the same.
(Cavan): That is a relief.
We can have the statements at 6 o'clock today or tomorrow; it does not matter which day.
The Taoiseach is not accepting the proposal——
I think I have reasonably met the Deputy's suggestion in suggesting the course I have. I think it ought to suffice for the moment.
I suggest after Questions tomorrow.
After Questions tomorrow. If that would suit the Deputies opposite, well and good.