It is proposed to take No. 10, Vote 49 (resumed). The Dáil will sit next week as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.; Friday from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, in view of those three 12 hour days, I, as Whip on the Opposition side, am conscious of the fact that there is pressure on the staff within the House in relation to the continuous 12 hour days; I am looking for some type of a mid-day break from their point of view. Would the Taoiseach look into that particular aspect? I think it is a bit thick.
I will certainly look into it. Of course, the Deputy will appreciate that the break defeats, to some extent, the objective of the long hours, but we shall look into it between now and next week and see if it is possible to make a suitable arrangement.
We will take it, on the Opposition side, reluctantly. Of course, I do not accept that it defeats the purpose of the long hours, when we are sitting about 30 hours a week longer.
In that connection we might consider the suggestion made last week that we sit earlier and rise somewhat earlier. They would be more civilised hours.
If the Taoiseach was thinking of sitting much earlier than 10.30 a.m. I would be interested to know what hour he has in mind.
Well, if we got to bed earlier, we could sit earlier.