It is proposed to take Nos. 7, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23. It is also proposed, subject to the agreement of the House, that: (1) business shall be interrupted at 10.30 p.m., (2) No. 7 shall be taken without debate, and (3) the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of No. 17, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for industry and Commerce. Private Members' Business shall be No. 32.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed? Agreed.
Is it agreed that No. 7 shall be taken without debate? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 17 agreed? Agreed.
May I ask the Taoiseach who will perform the functions of the Minister for Defence during his absence at the Rome summit? will the Taoiseach give us an assurance that the current uncertainty in regard to the filling of that post on a permanent basis will be brought to an end before the Dáil goes into recess?
I dealt with that matter yesterday.
Would the Taoiseach agree that he did not deal with that matter? Would he further agree that he is bringing himself and his Government into ridicule by his continuing indecision in the matter?
I would certainly not agree.
The Dublin West organisation would agree.
In view of the statement from the ESRI this morning that the growth for next year will be halved, could I ask the Taoiseach if the House will have an early opportunity of discussing this matter and if the Minister for Finance will be making a statement in the House? It obviously has very serious implications for Government.
The matter is not relevant to the Order of Business, as the Deputy knows.
The Book of Estimates will be available shortly for discussion.
I am rising simply to ask the Taoiseach if he would take an opportunity to make a statement to the Dáil on the situation with regard to the GATT negotiations. Serious difficulties have arisen in that regard and the implications of the talks breaking down completely would be very serious not only for growth next year but for many years to come.
Again, that is not a matter for the Order of Business.