As I think Senators are aware, we are expecting to receive from the Dáil this evening the Social Welfare (Reciprocal Arrangements) Bill, which was introduced in the Dáil yesterday and which, it is expected, will go through all stages in that House this evening. I have received representations from the Minister for Social Services that the Bill is of extreme urgency and must be law, if possible, by the 5th July. The Minister requests that in the circumstances the Seanad might be agreeable to let him have all the stages of the Bill this evening in the Seanad. He tells me that the reason for the urgency is that the new British scheme of social insurance is coming into operation on that date and in order to preserve continuity of national health insurance for our nationals and save possible hardship, it is necessary that the Minister should be in a position to enter into new arrangements as from that date. I understand that the House will be agreeable to meet the Minister's wishes in this respect and, accordingly, we are circulating a Supplementary Order Paper for the Bill and for an earlier signature motion which will be necessary.
Business of Seanad.
May I indicate that, in view of the fact that it is apparently imperative that this Bill should become law, if possible, before the 5th July, there will be no objection from this side to taking all stages.
Thank you.