I move:—
That the Dáil sit later than 10.30 p.m. to-night and that the motion for the adjournment be taken not later than 12 midnight.
I also have to move a motion, notice of which has been given in my name.
Sittings of Dáil.
Would the Taoiseach allow me to suggest that consideration of the motion be postponed until to-morrow? The motion was circulated this week-end and my Party have not had an opportunity of considering it. We endeavoured through the Whips to contact the Parliamentary Secretary this morning, but were unable to do so. We have no objection to a motion to sit until 12 o'clock to-night, but if consideration of the other motion were left over until to-morrow it would convenience us. It concerns mainly the attendance of country Deputies, whose views on it we have not been able to ascertain.
I wish to facilitate the Deputies opposite as far as possible. I understood our Whips were in touch with the Whips of the Party opposite this morning.
No, Sir.
At all events, the Parliamentary Secretary was endeavouring to-day to get some information as to the attitude of the Party on this motion. The Deputy will understand and fully realise that the financial business must be finished before the 31st July. This is an effort to provide a plan which will give Deputies the fullest opportunities of discussing the remaining Estimates and also will ensure that the Appropriation Bill will be passed by the 31st July. That has to be done, no matter what expedient is adopted.
I would suggest to the Taoiseach that, while that is agreed, and while we will not object to an extension of the hours of sitting, we think there might be some proposals for changing the hours suggested in the motion. I think the Taoiseach would be met on this matter if he would allow us to get an opportunity of consulting the Party.
Certainly. Will the Deputy meet us again by adopting this portion of the motion which provides that the House meet to-morrow morning at 10.30? Otherwise, we will lose a certain number of hours, between 10.30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Certainly. The special motion can be moved—that the motion for the adjournment be taken not later than 12 o'clock and that the House meet at 10.30 a.m. in the morning. We may have some changes to suggest when the motion on the Order Paper is taken.
At what time does the Deputy suggest the motion on the Order Paper should be taken to-morrow?
Some time in the afternoon—after questions.
I take it it is agreed that the motion for the adjournment to-night should be taken not later than 12 o'clock, and that the Dáil will assemble at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders to the contrary.
Agreed.