Business will be taken as set out on the Order Paper as follows:—Nos. 3, 1, and 4. It is not proposed to interrupt Government business. Instead, it is proposed to allow three hours for an adjournment debate.
Order of Business.
I think three hours would be completely inadequate for the adjournment debate. Might I point out to the Tánaiste that not merely has there been taking of Private Members' time throughout the whole session, with the exception of one afternoon, for Government business but that the normal practice is to allow whatever time is reasonable for an adjournment debate at the end of the year? I think that to allow only three hours for the debate is completely unreasonable, and that at least double that length of time would be required.
If Deputy Lemass will draw on his memory in this connection I think he will agree that three hours has generally been the maximum time allowed by his Government when in office.
If the Tánaiste will look it up he will find that in the winter session of every year not merely has there been no taking of Private Members' time for Government business but that very frequently extra hours have been allowed for the discussion of Private Members' motions. That is not so now. Because of the important matters which it is desired to raise on the adjournment discussion, we think a longer period should be allowed.
Nobody wants to be unreasonable. Perhaps if the Whips would discuss the matter we could get accommodation.
I shall arrange that.
I agree entirely with Deputy Lemass. The formation of this Dáil is very different to what it was heretofore. If only three hours are granted it will be absolutely impossible for Independent Deputies such as myself to speak.
Will the Tánaiste state the date on which it is proposed to resume after the Christmas recess?
The 16th of February.
Is the Dáil to meet to-morrow?
If necessary.
In view of the large number of motions on the Order Paper I should like an assurance that extra time will be given for the discussion of these motions when the Dáil reassembles.
In connection with Private Members' time I would point out that there are something like 29 motions on the Order Paper. Some of these were put down apparently in the hope that they would never be reached in the lifetime of this Government. The fact however is that they are there and there are some important points raised in some of them. I suggest that the Dáil should meet a week earlier and devote that week solely to Private Members' time in order to clear the decks before the new session.
A fortnight.
Yes, to clear them off. After all it is unfair that there should be 29 motions on the Order Paper for so long a time.
Will the Tánaiste consider, some time before the adjournment, giving the House an indication of the business that will be before the House for discussion on reassembly?
I shall endeavour to ensure, so far as that information is available, that it will be communicated to the Deputy.
I want an assurance, a Chinn Chomhairle——
We are not in Committee, Deputy. You have already spoken.
I would like some assurance in regard to Private Members' time. I was hoping that the pubs would be closed for Christmas—since some Deputies are anxious about them.
A Deputy
It is too bad about you.