I move that the following motion be withdrawn:
That Dáil Éireann take note of the Financial Statement made by the Minister for Finance on 1st February 1978.
Financial Statement, 1978: Motion.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Item No. 14 was the discussion on the general resolution on last year's budget, which was never concluded and, therefore, there was no vote on the general provisions of the budget. Could the House have an undertaking from the Taoiseach, in view of the fact that the farm levy will not be voted on directly, that this year's budget will be concluded in a reasonable time, that the Minister for Finance will reply to it and that an opportunity will be afforded for a vote on the general resolution?
If the Deputy read the motion which it is now proposed to withdraw he would see that all that is required is:
That Dáil Éireann takes note of the Financial Statement made by the Minister for Finance on 1st February 1978.
That financial statement contained no resolution with a view to imposing taxes. This year's financial statement does and, therefore, it will require a vote in the House. I believe that is sufficient answer for the Deputy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I believe I am correct in saying that the motion which the Taoiseach has withdrawn was a motion put down to give the House an opportunity of discussing the budget in general in lieu of a general resolution.
I agree. Question put and agreed to.