It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 7 and 6. I will make a statement at 3.30 p.m. today concerning the recent meeting of the European Council.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, yesterday in the Dáil the Taoiseach, when asked about the possibility of arrangements for an economic debate, gave hope of such a debate and stated that it was a matter to be discussed between the Whips, although at the time I suspected that this was merely a blind and that discussion would prove fruitless and that it was merely intended to put us off the track at the time. That proved to be the case, and when the Whips met, the debate was accordingly refused. I expected that. I wish to point out that the Taoiseach had earlier said——
No, Deputy, this is not in order.
May I be allowed to ask my question, please? It is relevant to the Order of Business.
Provided that it is not argument and that it is related to the Order of Business.
It is entirely related to the question of the Finance Bill, which is on the Order of Business. The Taoiseach, had, however, prior to making that obviously misleading suggestion about the Party Whips, said that we will shortly be discussing the Finance Bill which will enable Deputies to cover economic matters. I am sure that the Taoiseach and the Chair are aware that the ordinary rules of the House restrict debate on the Finance Bill in a particular way, so that only taxation proposals will be discussed, not expenditure on administration.
Please, would the Deputy ask a question?
I want to ask a question. Would the Chair please let me make my point?
I have no objection to allowing the Deputy to make his point, provided that the Deputy asks a question and that we do not enter into argument.
I am just coming to the point.
This is not a classroom. We are not in school; we are in Parliament.
There is an amount of disorder in this House because the Chair will not allow Deputies to finish their questions. I want to ask the Taoiseach whether, in view of his refusal to allow an economic debate and in view of his statement that economic matters could be covered under the Finance Bill, he will agree, by agreement, that the restrictive provisions on the debate on the Finance Bill will be removed and that all matters on the economy can be debated on the Finance Bill?
As far as I am concerned, the Opposition can discuss anything they like on the Finance Bill, but it is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle.
No, it is a matter for the House.
Traditionally, the Second Stage of the Finance Bill is always an occasion for Deputies to talk about the economic situation as a background to the Finance Bill. Let me also point out that the Opposition have had 60 hours of a debate on this year's budget. Every aspect of the economy could be and was discussed. The Opposition have two Private Members' Time spaces available to them in which they can discuss the economy. We have also had a major social welfare debate in which, again, the general state of the economy could be and was discussed. Our position in the Government is that we have a number of measures which we must get through before the Recess. The debate on the Finance Bill will start on Tuesday week, 7 April, and must be finished by 9 April. It is just not possible for us to devote any additional time at this stage to a general economic debate. No reasonable person would suggest that this is depriving the Opposition in any way of giving expression to any viewpoint they wish on the economy. There are still a number of opportunities open to them to do that.
The Ceann Comhairle is aware of the rules of the House. There is apparently agreement on all sides of the House that this Finance Bill debate will not be restricted in accordance with the normal rules and that the economy in general can be discussed. I want to make it clear, so that we do not find ourselves during the debate being restricted by the Chair despite the agreement of the House. The point must be cleared now, that the Taoiseach's remarks hold.
As far as I am concerned, yes.
The Taoiseach agrees. Thank you.
That is agreed.
An outbreak of peace and reasonableness.
Item No. 7, the Minister for——
On the Order of Business——
I spoke too soon.
On the Order of Business——
Several times.
——could I give notice that, with the permission of the Chair, I hope to raise on the Adjournment the failure of the Minister for Education to provide adequate money for University College, Dublin, to avert the threatened cutback in the educational service provided by that institution?
I will communicate with the Deputy.