It is proposed to take Nos. 2, 3,4, 5 and 6 and to take No. 8 subject to the Minister being available. He is dealing with a Bill in the other House and subject to that being disposed of he will be available for No. 8.
Private Business. - Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, I would like to ask the Leader of the House what the intention is in regard to the Appropriation Bill? The normal precedent in the Seanad was that the Bill was discussed, debated fully and passed in the period up to Christmas. Last year, whilst we technically passed the Bill before Christmas, the debate on it did not take place until January. I raise the issue particularly because it seems to me that the Appropriation Bill is the most important Bill which comes before Seanad Éireann as it gives the House scope to discuss a very broad range of matters that are of great concern to this country at this time and is not as confining as are many of the motions which we are presently discussing.
Could the Leader of the House give us any indication if the Minister might be available this evening?
Might be available for what?
For No. 8. We are taking No. 8 subject to the Minister's availability.
As far as No. 8 is concerned, it is ordered and subject to its being reached on the one hand and the Minister being finished with the other Bill in the Dáil, those are the only things that may hold it up. As regards the Appropriation Bill I am not in a position to say at the moment when that will be taken. We are making inquiries and we will let the Whips of all parties know as soon as possible.
Apparently this House will be sitting for two further weeks before Christmas. It seems to me that Members of this House would need adequate notice to prepare whatever they have to contribute on the Appropriation Bill. For that reason the intentions of the Leader as far as this Bill is concerned would be appreciated. It would be appreciated if we could know this week what those intentions are.
Order of Business agreed to.