It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4, 3, 1, 2 and 5 (Votes Nos. 32 to 62). The maximum time of 1½ hours is being allocated for the debate on item No. 3.
Order of Business.
Would it suit the convenience of the Taoiseach if a fixed hour were determined on now for items Nos. 1 and 2—say 6 o'clock?
It is desirable to dispose of item No. 3 first.
It is possible that items Nos. 3 and 4 may be disposed of at about 5.30. Whatever hour would suit the Taoiseach for the taking of items Nos. 1 and 2 would probably suit the House, and perhaps we might be able to settle on a fixed hour for the discussion of these motions.
I desire to support Deputy Dillon's suggestion. The Seanad Appeals Committee, which comprises 15 members of the House, sat yesterday and is sitting again to-day. A number of Deputies were engaged on the work of that committee for a considerable period yesterday, and the same thing is likely to recur to-day. Perhaps the Taoiseach would be able to meet the convenience of the House in fixing a time for the discussion of Motions Nos. 1 and 2 so that Deputies interested in them may be able to attend.
Suppose we say 6 o'clock?
That would suit admirably.
Agreed.
Has a date yet been fixed for the handing in of nominations for the Presidency, and what is the latest date?
No order can be made until the 25th of this month. No Order has yet been made fixing the date for nomination or any other date in connection with the Presidential election.
I take it then that the rumour that April 5th is the latest day for receiving nominations has no foundation?
That is not correct. That is the day upon which the Order fixing the date may be made.
Will the Taoiseach say whether or not it is intended to sit to-morrow?
Yes.
Morning or afternoon?
Morning.
I understood from the Parliamentary Secretary that on to-morrow two and a half hours would be allowed to discuss Motion No. 6.
We are meeting tomorrow morning.
Do I take it that that stands good, that two and a half hours will be allowed for Motion No. 6 on the Order Paper?
If the Deputy wants it.
I do want it.
If the other business mentioned concludes before 6 o'clock, the Estimates might be gone on with.
The Minister is concluding.
Yes.