Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 May 1983

Vol. 343 No. 1

Allocation of Time: Motion.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Barrett,

Dún Laoghaire): I move:

That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders and in the Resolution of the Dáil of 15 December, 1982, relating to business and sittings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—

(i) on Tuesday, 31 May, 1983—

(a) consideration of Government business shall not be interrupted at the time fixed for taking private Members' business;

(b) the interruption of business provided for under Standing Order 20 (2) shall take place at 9 p.m.; and

(c) the proceedings on the Forth and Fifth Stages of the Finance Bill, 1983, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 9 p.m. by one Question, which shall be put by the Chair, and which shall in relation to amendments include only amendments set down by the Minister for Finance;

(ii) on Wednesday, 1 June, 1983—

(a) the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. and the interruption of business provided for under Standing Order 20 (2) shall take place at 10 p.m.; and

(b) Private Members' business shall be taken from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Mr. B. Ahern

Would it be agreed that Report Stage would end at 8.30 p.m., so that a half-hour would be available for Fifth Stage? Otherwise there might be no time for Fifth Stage debate.

An Ceann Comhairle

In case there is any misunderstanding, Report Stage ends at 8.30 p.m. It is unlikely that there will be a half-hour, but it is likely that there will be some time. Under the order, the Bill must conclude at 9 p.m.

Mr. B. Ahern

Will we get some time, anyway, for Fifth Stage?

An Ceann Comhairle

If the order as before the House is made, the Chair's hands will be tied to letting the debate continue until 9 p.m. and then concluding.

Mr. Haughey

Could we take the order now and perhaps the Whips might get together and by agreement later some arrangement could be made for Fifth Stage debate? We would be prepared to agree to making the order now on condition that the Whips would get together and perhaps come to some agreement which can be formally agreed later by the House regarding a time allocation for Fifth Stage?

An Ceann Comhairle

As long as it is understood that if the order is made the Chair's hands will be tied. Of course, they can be untied by a gentleman's agreement.

Mr. Haughey

So long as they are not handcuffs.

Mr. Gene Fitzgerald

The Chair is the best political Houdini.

Question put and agreed to.