It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 9, 10, II and 12 (Vote 42). If the discussion on the Social Welfare Bill concludes by 2.30, Questions will be taken from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; otherwise, there will be only one hour for Questions and the debate on the Social Welfare Bill will be resumed at 3.30 p.m. If the Social Welfare Bill is not concluded, it may be necessary to sit late because the Second Stage must be taken today.
Order of Business.
I wonder whether the Taoiseach would agree to take the Sugar Manufacture (Amendment) Bill, 1973, on Tuesday rather than today?
I understand from the Minister that there is some urgency in regard to this Bill because of a penalty clause contained in it. Perhaps it would be possible to take the Second Stage today and to take the Committee Stage on Tuesday next.
If the Taoiseach wishes we can do it that way, but we would be prepared to give all Stages on Tuesday.
Perhaps we could take all Stages of the Social Welfare Bill today and all stages of the Sugar Manufacture Bill on Tuesday.
I could not undertake that in regard to the Social Welfare Bill.
Perhaps the Deputy would consider giving all Stages of the Social Welfare Bill today and all Stages of the Sugar Manufacture Bill on Tuesday.
There might be difficulty in that regard. If there is a problem from the Government's point of view we could agree to the Second Stage of the Sugar Manufacture Bill today if that is what the Taoiseach would prefer.
All right.
I wish to have a written answer to Question No. 181 on today's Order Paper.
That will be arranged.