I move: "That the Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill, 1987, be ordered for next Tuesday, subject to agreement between the Whips."
Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill, 1987: Order for Second Stage.
There is no point continuing because of Standing Order No. 41.
In relation to Item No. 5, that is not agreed. I should like to have the opportunity to ask the Taoiseach, before Item No. 5 is taken as agreed, if it is intended that this legislation will be taken in its entirety before the end of this session.
Yes.
Is the item to be rushed through the Dáil in that fashion?
It is the intention that it will be completed this session because it must come into operation before the beginning of the new year.
Could the Taoiseach explain why it should be so, why it should be taken in such haste?
It is not being taken with haste. It has followed the normal pattern.
Like everything else in this House.
Does the Taoiseach agree that the terms of the Bill as proposed represent a very serious departure——
The Deputy will get an ample opportunity to ventilate his views on the measure when it comes before the House.
At this stage, when it is proposed to take Second Stage, I believe it is in order to raise a reservation with regard to that proposal in view of the fact——
The Order of Business provided for the taking of the Order for Second Stage. The Taoiseach has formally moved the matter.
In moving it, I wish to express a reservation to its being taken on Second Stage. I respectfully submit that that is in order at this point, that the terms of the Bill represent a serious departure from the agreement known as the Programme for National Recovery.
What we are dealing with now, Deputy, is a date for Second Stage. No debate can arise.
I am indicating that it is not agreed to take the Bill on Second Stage.
I have noted your comment.
I wish to call for a division on the matter.
There is no quorum. Deputies should have some interest in the matters being raised in the House.
I have a serious reservation on the matter.
We cannot have a division without a quorum.
When is it proposed to take Second Stage?
It is proposed to take Second Stage next Tuesday, subject to agreement between the Whips.
A Cheann Comhairle, might I ask, before you move so lightly on to the next business, whether or not there will be an opportunity in this House at any date in the near future to discuss the very important matters that are being dealt with here by way of statement to which all of us may not subscribe? I might, through you, ask that some time be given before Christmas to discuss what has taken place and what has not taken place in the whole paraphernalia.
It is a matter for the Whips, Deputy.
Not enough people were present in this House. There is not a quorum here at the moment and most of the time there was nobody on the Government benches except the Taoiseach.
I must get clearance in respect of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill, 1987 — Second Stage next Tuesday. Is that agreed?
No, it is not agreed.
I am putting the question: "That Second Stage of this Bill be taken next Tuesday." Na Teachtaí ata——
Before you put the question——
I am on my feet, Deputy. Please resume your seat, or leave the House.
I was inquiring——
It is most audacious for the Deputy to challenge the Chair when he is ruling on a matter of this kind.
I am merely indicating——
Please, Deputy. Are you challenging the order for the Second Reading of this Bill?
Yes, I am challenging it.
Then allow the Chair to put the question.
Before you put it, may I ask a question?
What sort of question is that?
Is it in order, before you put the question, for me to voice a reservation? We are opposing the making of the order.
That is a Second Stage debate.
Is the Deputy seriously challenging the order for Second Stage?
Yes.
The Chair is on his feet putting the question, Deputy.
Can our submission not be heard before that?
I resent deeply your intervention when I was on my feet putting the question. You are the Deputy who raised this question.
I do not mean to be disruptive. I merely wanted to put a submission.
I am putting the question: "That Second Stage of the Bill be taken next Tuesday."
Subject to agreement, is that right?
Another Single European Act.
Question put and agreed to.