It is proposed to take the business as set out on the Order Paper in the following order, items 4, 1 and 2. The Dáil will then adjourn until 3 p.m. on Wednesday next, 22nd November.
Order of Business.
As regards items 1 and 2, the two Opposition Parties are prepared to bring the discussion to a conclusion at 10.30 to-night, if Deputy Davin can get in at 10 p.m. to reply. If that is generally agreeable, we would be prepared to have it made an order of the House.
There is a slight difficulty from the point of view of record. Obviously, there can be only one debate. Looking at the two motions, the second one seems to be more in conformity with the Act which provides for the annulment of an order. I understand, however, that Deputy Mulcahy is, by arrangement, to open the debate. To preserve order, there will be only one motion recorded. Deputies concerned might consider between now and the time at which we enter upon a discussion of the motions whether the two might not be amalgamated even by inserting the word "and" between them. Deputy Mulcahy could then open the debate and Deputy Davin conclude. Otherwise, No. 1 must be moved and seconded; similarly No. 2, with one debate and I shall take the division on the second motion as deciding both.
We are quite prepared to meet your difficulty in the matter of order by linking the two motions with the word "and".
That will simplify matters.
Will it be possible to get Private Members' time next week? Apart from the Second Reading of the Finance Bill on Wednesday, the only other Bill of major importance is the County Management Bill. That amount of business surely does not justify the abandonment of Private Members' time next week? Will the Tánaiste give an assurance that we will have Private Members' time next week in order to deal with the multiplicity of motions on the Order Paper?
I will look into the matter. I cannot give an answer now.
I shall call on Deputy Davin not later than 10 o'clock.
It is not taken for granted that the debate will last until 10 o'clock.
At that hour at the latest.
Does it suit the Minister for Supplies to acquiesce in an arrangement like that?
I understood that the Parliamentary Secretary and Deputy Smith agreed to that.
It is therefore agreed by the House that at 10 o'clock, at the latest, Deputy Davin will be called upon to conclude the debate.
Ordered accordingly.