It is proposed to take the business in the following order: Nos. 2, 3, 1 and 4.
Business of Dáil.
I understand it is the intention that the House should adjourn to-morrow, probably until some date about the middle of October. When the Emergency Powers Art was passed in 1939 it was realised that, having regard to the powers conferred upon the Government under that Act, there would probably be occasions when the Dáil would adjourn for long periods. On that occasion, in the last Dáil, an assurance was given by the Taoiseach that if representations were made to him by any responsible Party in the House that it was desirable to convene the Dáil for the purpose of discussing a matter of substantial importance, that request would be acceded to. This is a new Dáil but I take it that the same arrangement will stand. As the House is likely to adjourn this week for a very long period, I should like the Tánaiste to give an assurance that if the Taoiseach receives a request from any Party in this House to convene the Dáil for perhaps one or two days to discuss a matter of importance, that request in accordance with the previous assurance will be acceded to.
I can assure the House that if any request be received from a responsible quarter for the calling of the Dáil to discuss matters of public urgent importance, the promise previously given will be adhered to in this Dáil in the same way as in the last Dáil.