It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 2, 3, 4, 4 (a), 4 (b), 5 and 6. By agreement, all the main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates for introduction under No. 2 will be passed without debate. The Supplementary Local Government Estimate for introduction under No. 3 will then be taken with a time limit of 20 minutes applying to each speaker and any division challenged shall be taken immediately on conclusion of the debate. The Dáil, on its rising today, will adjourn until Wednesday, 12th October, 1977.
Order of Business.
Can the Taoiseach say whether item No. 1 might be given some consideration at this time particularly in view of the fact that the House is adjourning until October, something I had not anticipated as I understand there is much business which might usefully be dealt with before we adjourned? However, that is the decision of the Government.
Regarding No. 1 on the Order Paper I am aware of the Government's total opposition to the measure as it stands. For that reason I am of the opinion that the matter is one for the convenience of the House rather than a question of the permission of the Government.
I have not heard everything the Deputy said but regarding his question as to when the Bill might be taken, I must inform him that there is no intention of taking it at the present time anyway. If the Deputy would speak a little louder, we might hear him.
The fault is not on my part. For the past four years I have been complaining that those of us up here can neither hear properly nor be heard. Perhaps during the long adjournment some steps will be taken technically to deal with the situation. I regret that I am not being heard from here.
I take it from what the Taoiseach has said that there is no intention of considering this Bill at this time. I know that with a Seanad majority which is anti-Government there would not be much point in taking the Bill but I should like to know whether in view of the Government's total opposition to the relevant measure in September last, we can anticipate their tabling a Bill of their own to repeal the legislation as soon as we return in October.
The Government have not yet considered that matter.
Having regard to how strenuously they objected to it in September last, they have had ample time since then to consider it.