I propose after the formal matters on the Agenda to take the Road Transport Bill. If this is not completed at 6.30 it is proposed to have an interval between 6.30 and 7.30 during which Estimate No. 64, the Army Vote, and Estimate No. 27, Haulbowline Dockyard, will be taken. It is not proposed to interrupt public business at 9 o'clock.
Order of Business.
Why is it thought necessary to take private members' time?
It is because the whole time of the Dáil will be required for public business. There are other Bills to be dealt with before Easter.
I want to ask the President why it is necessary to take private members' time.
There are only six Parliamentary days I understand before Easter, and in order to get through public business it is necessary to take private members' time.
Can the President say for what interval he intends to rise at Easter?
That is not decided; roughly about a fortnight.
Can the President say if any date has yet been fixed for the Budget?
It has not been definitely fixed yet.
Can he say when it will be fixed?
The Minister for Finance is not here and, in his absence, I would not be able to say anything definite.
Ordered: That business be not interrupted at 9 o'clock.