It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4, 7, 1 and 6. Questions will be taken at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, is it the Taoiseach's intention before the Dáil rises for the Recess to make any statement on the political, economic and social problems facing the country and what his approach towards this will be? Will such a statement allow for reply or observation by at least one speaker from the Opposition parties?
It was not my intention to make anything in the nature of a major statement of policy before the Recess but I understand the finalisation of business for the remainder of the session is still under discussion between the Whips.
Is it the Taoiseach's intention before the Recess to make any statement regarding his attitude and policy in relation to the problems that face us?
I propose to seek the agreement of the House to make a short statement outlining my approach and the principles to which I will adhere.
To which the Opposition would have an opportunity of replying?
That is for discussion between the Whips.
Would that be the Taoiseach's proposal?
No. I have no particular proposal at the moment. The way in which we would conclude the session is still under discussion between the Whips.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is a matter of very considerable importance that before we have a prolonged Recess over Christmas it would be in the interests of the country that such a statement be made?
We cannot have a discussion on it.
In relation to No. 6 on the Order of Business, I heard about it only this morning. It would appear to indicate that the budget will not be until sometime in early March.
It will be in February, perhaps late February, but we will be able to inform the Opposition parties today of the exact date of the budget.
Why is the date put in as 28 February? Why not put 15 February if it is going to be late in February?
It has to be after the publication of the Book of Estimates.
That must be seven days before the budget.
The budget does not have to be seven days after that.
But surely if it is going to be late February it would be very important that the Taoiseach make a statement to the country with regard to his approach?
If No. 6 is passed then the Government are free not to publish the Book of Estimates until 28 February which means the budget would not be until 7 or 8 March.
No. That is not so.
If the Government took advantage of 28 February on this that is what could happen.
That is an outside date.
Why not bring it back a fortnight if the Taoiseach intends having the budget in the last week of February?
I want to allow a maximum amount of flexibility in this particular year.
When we reach the item in question it can be discussed.
There is an account in this morning's paper that PAYE offices are going to be shut to the public from next Monday and the people who are presently being assessed have no way of contacting them except by letter.
That cannot be discussed. We cannot develop any matter on the Order of Business.
If the Dáil is rising tomorrow the Government should do something.
The Chair has to abide by the Standing Orders.
Will the Minister for Finance make a statement on this matter during the day?
We have had no notice of this matter being raised.
Surely the Revenue Commissioners cannot shut their offices without telling the Government. They should not be shut without the consent of the Government.
The Chair cannot accept a matter which has not been notified and the Deputy knows that. The Deputy may not argue about it.
It was agreed last night to adjourn and not to resume because of the lateness of the hour at which the debate concluded. My understanding was that the announcement of the Ministers of State was to have taken place on the return of the Taoiseach. We were informed that it would be made first thing this morning. We have not been told when it is to happen.
It is intended to announce the Ministers of State today.
Could the Taoiseach indicate why there has been a change in regard to what was agreed on this matter?
I am not aware that there was any agreement on this matter.
It was proposed that we would adjourn and that the announcement would take place at the outset of business this morning instead of last night. We agreed to that. We have not got the announcement. I should like to know why there has been a change.
The Taoiseach has already pointed out that the announcement will be made today. The understanding last evening was that it would not be made because of the lateness of the hour and that it would be transferred to today.
It was to be made at the outset of business this morning.
The question of time is another matter.
It was to be announced at the commencement of business this morning.
The Taoiseach has already made the opening statement. The announcement will be made today.
I simply want to know why what was agreed has not been done. There is no answer to that.