It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 23, 24, and in 24 Votes 42 and 42 Supplementary, Votes 41 and 41 Supplementary, 43 and 44, No. 4 to be taken with Vote 41. Questions will be taken from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, I find there is reference to the National College of Art Bill. This matter is usually arranged between the Whips.
I can explain that. There are a couple of amendments arising from the passage of the Bill through the Seanad. I thought that perhaps the Minister could mention it this morning to facilitate the passage of the Bill. There are just a couple of minor points which I do not think will give rise to controversy. However, if there is any argument about it it can be deferred until Tuesday. Late last night I endeavoured to seek out Deputy FitzGerald but I could not contact him.
I am happy to have it taken now but I was very surprised when I rang the Minister's office at 23 minutes past 10 to suggest that we should take it today to discover that it was being taken and that nobody had told me. It is by the grace of God and at some risk to the pedestrians of Dublin that I am here.
It is my fault. My search mission failed last night. I am sorry.
Agreed to take No. 1 now?
Could An Tánaiste say, on the Order of Business, whether the Minister for Transport and Power will be making a statement today on the breakdown of the talks in Washington on the Shannon problem?
I shall be speaking on the Estimate, I hope, during the day and I shall have a lot to say about the matter.