I move: "That the Second Stage be ordered for Thursday, 21 May 1981, subject to agreement between the Whips." I suggest this as I understand the Opposition may have some difficulty.
Employers' Employment Contribution Scheme Bill, 1981: Order for Second Stage.
Bill entitled an Act to provide for a scheme to be known as the Employers' Employment Contribution Scheme; for the payment of contributions by employers to that scheme and for other connected matters.
It is not normal to have the order for Second Stage on next Tuesday. The Taoiseach will appreciate that the Bill was circulated only this morning.
I appreciate that. That is why I suggested that we order it for tomorrow subject to agreement between the Whips as to when it should be taken.
It was suggested that it be ordered, in the ordinary way, for next Tuesday.
I understood that it was agreed that it would be ordered for tomorrow but subject to the agreement of the Whips.
We were only told about this ten minutes ago.
Unfortunately there is no agreement about this because the Bill was delayed pending agreement with outside parties. But it is urgent and I suggest to the Opposition because of what is involved, a scheme to protect employment, that they might agree this morning that we order it for tomorrow morning on the strict understanding that if the Opposition wish, it will not be taken until they are ready to take it.
Question put and agreed to.