I move that we sit later than 8.30 to-night and that we take the adjournment not later than 10.30. While on that subject, I should say that I propose to move on the adjournment to-night that we re-assemble at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow and sit until the business is finished, allowing for adjournments for lunch or any other dietary arrangements that may be required. I think that proposal would meet with the approval of members generally. It would then be my intention to move when that sitting would conclude, which would start at 10.30 a.m., to re-assemble on the 1st August to receive any recommendations or amendments that would be sent to the Dáil from the Seanad. On the 1st August I would move that we re-assemble on the 21st October.
SITTINGS OF THE DAIL.
I am not going to oppose this motion, but I should like to point out to the President that we cannot have a very satisfactory discussion of the estimates under these conditions. There are two estimates of importance to be considered—the estimate for the Ministry of Justice and the estimate for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. They raise very important and far-reaching questions. If these votes are allowed to go through now with only discussion of comparatively minor details, will the President give us a day or two days for their discussion on a motion after the re-assembly in October? We shall then, so far as the estimate for Industry and Commerce is concerned, be able to discuss it with the trade figures for six months instead of four months before us. We must talk about the trade of the country some time, and it would be really better to get a day after the re-assembly when the Dáil will be less tired and the Minister will have a longer time to acquaint himself with the work of his Department.
I would propose to afford a day for the discussion of any particular Department or Ministry, but I take it that that does not involve not passing the Estimates now.
No. We must pass the Estimates.
Then I would propose to afford that facility to Deputies.
The motion I had in mind was something like Deputy Corish's motion about Local Government, only reversed. I thought that some Deputy on the Government Benches would move: "That the Dáil approve of the policy of the Minister for Industry and Commerce as expressed in his Department."
I have a request to take Estimate No. 14, and I undertook to provide that we would take it now. I take it there will be no objection to that course.
Before you take up the Estimates, A Chinn Comhairle, what am I to understand by the President's statement that we are to adjourn until 10.30 to-morrow, and continue on until we are finished? When might that be, I would like to ask?
I hope, not later than sunset to-morrow evening.
It might be sunset on Saturday evening.
I do not expect that, and I have been afforded some indications that it is the general desire of Deputies to facilitate the dispatch of business before sunset to-morrow.
Then the only thing they have got to do is to go asleep on the Benches, which they probably will do.
What is the President's intention as regards legislation as apart from the Estimates and the Appropriation Bill? Does he propose to go on with the State Lands Bill?
I cannot say that until to-morrow morning. After No. 14 I propose to take the Estimates which concern the Minister for Justice, as he has to go on important Government business to-night to London. I take it that he will be afforded facilities to get his Estimates passed before he goes.
Would the President consider the inviting over of British Ministers to discuss these matters here instead of forcing our Ministers over to London on all occasions?
I would like to get notice of that. It suits our convenience and purpose for the Minister to visit London to have this matter settled.
Question put and agreed to.