It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in that order and to suspend the sitting from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and to take No. 5 from 6.30 p.m. until 8 p.m. For the information of Senators, it is proposed that the House should sit tomorrow.
Order of Business.
Could we have an indication from the Leader of the House about the arrangements for business today, tomorrow and next week? I think it is important at this stage that we should know, if not exactly, at least what his intentions are for tomorrow and next week.
First, in regard to the question of tomorrow's sitting, it is proposed that we should resume, as is customary on Thursdays, the debate on reports of joint committees. It is not anticipated that tourism, even if reached today, would be concluded today. Accordingly, I think it will take up a fair amount of time tomorrow. If the debate on the report of the Joint Committee on Small Business in relation to tourism is concluded we will then move to the report of the EC Joint Committee on Nine Statutory Instruments. If that should be concluded before 4 p.m. tomorrow we will then move to the report of the Joint Committee on Building Land.
In regard to the question of next week, I understand that discussions have not yet concluded between the Whips in another place in regard to when the Appropriation Bill will be passed by the Dáil. Senators will realise that the Appropriation Bill must be passed into law before the conclusion of the calendar year. The position is that the Seanad has been extremely badly served in this regard down through the years, the Bill being passed at the last moment by the Dáil and the Seanad then being obliged to pass the Bill without debate, and debate the substance of it on a motion in January. Last year the situation was remedied. I am sure other Senators share my hope that what happened last year would continue to be the practice. My latest information is to the effect that the Appropriation Bill may not pass Dáil Éireann on Tuesday which would allow us to have a substantial debate on it next Wednesday and Thursday. As soon as I have any definite information, I will be talking to the representatives of the groups so that we can best decide how we can organise our work. I have already conveyed to the Opposition Whip my view that if at all possible we should debate the Appropriation Bill for a few hours without prejudice to a full two-day or three-day debate in the New Year. Whether, indeed the time of the passing of the Bill will enable us to do that or not, I think the dignity of this House calls for some measure of debate on that Bill and not a mere passage of it as we walk out for the Christmas break.
The other legislation which is expected to pass through Dáil Éireann this week and be taken by us next week is the Valuation Bill and the Irish Steel Bill. In addition, there is a Social Welfare order, which will not be controversial and will be taken next week. I understand there will probably be two orders from the Department of Agriculture which will also be taken next week. As already indicated, the statutory order in regard to the creation of Galway County Borough will be moved as the first item of business tomorrow.
I hope I have covered everything. I will be in touch with the representatives of the groups as the programme becomes more definite.
Items Nos. 3 and 4 will be discussed together?
Yes.
To ensure that there will be some discussion on the Valuation Bill and the Irish Steel Bill, I presume we will be taking only the Second Stage of each of those? There should be absolutely no question that next week we should have to rush through very important pieces of legislation such as the Valuation Bill and the Irish Steel Bill.
The Social Welfare order will go through quickly, but I do not think we should be put into a situation next week where the Appropriation Bill is going to be rushed through, voted on and discussed afterwards by this House. This is not a suitable way to deal with the Appropriation Bill. Equally, I do not think that next week we should be forced to take all Stages of the Valuation Bill, which has enormous implications for householders or for business people throughout the country. If that is the intention, I will say now that I will disagree.
My understanding is that it is necessary that both the Valuation Bill and the Irish Steel Bill be made law. Certainly it is highly desirable, but whether it is absolutely essential I do not know. These are Bills in which there are very important points of principle, which, of course, is the substance of the Second Stage. I have always argued in this House and always endeavoured to dispose the business of this House in such a way that Committee Stages are not rushed. It should be possible to have all Stages of these Bills taken without curtailing debate.
I do not know exactly the position in regard to the Dáil. It will be necessary to have discussion in the course of today but I am prepared and this side of the House would be prepared, to meet three days next week in order to ensure that there could be separate Committee Stages on both these Bills.
Last year the debate on the Appropriation Bill was restricted and I would not like to see any recurrence of that this year. If you remember, it was to end at 4 o'clock on the concluding day and some speakers failed to get in.
On a point of order I want to seek your advice and the advice of the House on the matter of a correction I want made in the Official Report of 28 November 1985 volume 110, No. 4, column 448. I propose to read a half sentence so as to correct it:
...but, of course, my attention might have been drawn to the Leader of the SDLP...
That should read "of the SDP", Social Democratic Party.
You can convey your corrections to the Editor of Debates.
It is of such importance that I wanted it noted in the Official Report of the House.
I have let you have your say because of its importance, but do go to the Editor to have it corrected.
Order of Business agreed to.