We have three main Estimates to debate and we have three hours to debate them. Is there to be a time limit on the other Estimates or are we to go on until five minutes to four and then take the main Estimates in five minutes? Has there been an arrangement or are we to discuss the Fisheries Estimate for the remaining three hours?
Estimates, 1982. - Business of Dáil.
Limerick East): My information is that there are no such arrangements.
There is chaos if there is not such an arrangement. It was agreed, and spelled out by the Taoiseach this morning, that time would be given to discuss in detail the three main Estimates. Therefore somebody should arrange——
(Dún Laoghaire): It was agreed among the Whips that rather than put a time limit on each Estimate we would continue and see how it would work.
Things have been working out very badly so far.
I endorse Deputy Bermingham's point. When I came in this morning my understanding was that there had been an understanding —I would not use the word "agreement"—that all the other Estimates would be disposed of by 11.30 and that the remaining time would be devoted to discussing three Estimates, as Deputy Bermingham has said. I understand from Deputy Barrett now that there was not any such understanding.
(Dún Laoghaire): There was no agreement of any description in regard to time. There was an agreement that when we had disposed of the Estimates not being debated, Deputies who wished to speak on the others would work out something that would be satisfactory to everybody. If three or four Deputies wish to speak on an Estimate there is no point in allowing them only ten minutes and allowing one Deputy an hour to speak on another Estimate. We might learn now how many Deputies wish to speak on Fisheries and Forestry. I do not know if Deputy Bermingham is acting Whip for the Labour Party. If he is he might come to see the other Whips.
Have we reached any understanding in regard to this area?
Acting Chairman
No.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It has been the practice, in debates which were limited by agreement, that Government speakers have been few and far between. I see some Government speakers here and I know they have an interest in some of the Estimates but the practice has been not to put in Government speakers in very limited debates.
Acting Chairman
The Chair has no control over that.
One Government backbencher has already indicated to me that he will speak for a considerable time.
Acting Chairman
The Chair has no control over the length of time for which members may speak. Would you accept a suggestion made by Deputy Barrett that the Whips should get together?
I would, yes.
(Donegal South-West): When will we know what time we have available to us?
Acting Chairman
We will know shortly.