It is proposed to take No. 5 and statements on the report of the Task Force on Small Business. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) No. 5 shall be decided without debate; and (2) statements on the report of the Task Force on Small Business, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 4.45 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the opening statement of a Minister or Minister of State and of a main spokesperson for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrats Party and the Technical Group shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case; (ii) the statement of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; and (iii) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called on not later than 4.35 p.m. to make a statement in reply.
Order of Business.
Is the proposal in respect of No. 5 satisfactory?
As it is proposed that No. 5 shall be decided without debate, why has it been put on the Order Paper today? Are we to take it from this motion that the Government is having second thoughts about the committee system and, if so, why? Does this extend to any other matters?
The matter will be debated here in full session next week. We are merely moving the motion today.
Why is it proposed that this Bill be taken in a full session of the Dáil? As we set up the committee system to deal with matters of this kind, I would like to know why in this case the Government is deciding not to use the committee system. Is this an indication that the Government has taken a view on the committee system in general? I do not need the Minister to tell me the matter is on the Order Paper, I want to know why it is there.
There should be brief comments at this stage.
This matter has been agreed by the Whips and it will be taken in the Chamber in full debate. I am sure Deputy Dukes does not object to all Members of the House having an opportunity of discussing this important Bill.
The Minister is not telling me anything new.
This must not give rise to a debate now.
Why does the Government want to take the matter in this way?
The Deputy should ask his Whip.
Has the Government something to hide?
Is it agreed that No. 5 shall be decided without debate? Agreed.
Why does the Government want to take it in this way?
What difference does it make?
Deputy Dukes should desist. Members may elaborate when the matter comes before the House next Tuesday.
Deputy Dukes's question is legitimate.
Are the proposals for dealing with the statements agreed? Agreed.
On a point of order, before the matter comes before the House, I would like to know why it is being taken in the manner proposed.
The Deputy has made his point.
Is the Minister so clueless that he cannot say why the matter is being taken in this way?
We are asked to agree a motion without debate but surely a simple question is worthy of a simple answer.
We have passed that item.