It is proposed to take business in the following order: No. 7 followed by Estimates (No. 5) (Votes 39 to 46, inclusive). The House should be aware that it is necessary to take, not later than to-morrow, in addition to the Second Stage of the Finance Bill, the Report and Final Stages of the Social Welfare Bill and the Second Stage of the Children's Allowances Bill. If it is not possible to make some arrangement as regards time, it may be necessary to sit until 10.30 or so to-morrow night.
Order of Business
Arising out of the Tánaiste's statement, may I point out that so far as Fine Gael and the Opposition are concerned, we quite appreciate that the Government are anxious to get to the final stages of the Social Welfare Bill and the Second Stage of the Children's Allowances Bill before the election? In so far as we are concerned, we will concede anything to get that election.
Are we to take it that we will sit to-morrow until the Second Stage of the Finance Bill is disposed of, whether it be 10.30 or not?
Yes. It is necessary that, in addition to the Finance Bill, the Social Welfare Bill should be passed to-morrow if the benefits are to come into operation on the date proposed. That is why it is desired either to make some arrangement to facilitate that or to apply for a later sitting to-morrow.
The Second Stage of the Finance Bill may not be finished before 5 or 10.30 to-morrow night. Is it intended some time to-morrow, irrespective of whether the Finance Bill is finished or not, to take the Report Stage of the Social Welfare Bill and the Second Stage of the Children's Allowances Bill?
Yes.