It is proposed to take business as on the Order Paper, Nos. 2, 4 and 5 (Votes 52 to 70). May I ask if the Opposition would give me an indication as to whether we are likely to reach the Report Stage of the Financial Resolutions this evening?
Order of Business.
If we do reach the Report Stage, in reply to the Tánaiste's question this morning, there will be no objection to taking the Report Stage immediately after the Committee Stage.
Would the Deputy give any indication as to when we are likely to reach that stage?
On such an important statement as the Budget Statement, particularly in our present circumstances, we would like to hear a lot more of the Government view, of both the present and the future, than we have heard. We would also like, if the debate is to be shortened, to know how many more interventions the Minister for Supplies is likely to have.
The shortening will depend on the Opposition Benches.
It surely will, if the Minister for Local Government and Public Health speaks.
The Minister for Local Government and Public Health will be kept on leash this evening.
As soon as the general resolution is disposed of, we are prepared to take the other resolutions, but we think that the debate on the situation should be treated more seriously than the Minister for Supplies treated it.
The speech of the Minister for Supplies was the most intelligent one since the debate started.
It was the most nonsensical speech. May I put this point to the Minister—will he say whether there is any really good reason for proceeding with the Central Bank Bill this side of the Summer Recess? The Taoiseach has told us that our difficulties will be the same after the Bill has become law, and that there will be no change at all. Therefore, the discussion could be left over until the autumn.
I do not see how that arises.
It has no bearing on the Budget debate.
It is on the Order Paper. It might very well be treated in the same way as the much advertised Valuation Bill was treated by the Minister's predecesor. It could be left until the autumn, and discussion could take place on more useful subjects.
That does not arise.