It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 2 and 3.
Order of Business.
I move:—
That notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Standing Orders:—
(a) the Dáil shall meet at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 1st July, and Thursday, 2nd July, and the Order for the Adjournment shall be taken not later than 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 p.m. on Thursday;
(b) business on Tuesday, 30th June, Wednesday, 1st July, and Thursday, 2nd July, shall beconfined to Questions (which shall be taken at 3 p.m.), introduction of Bills, formal business and the motion in the name of the Taoiseach viz., That Dáil Éireann reaffirms its confidence in the Government; and
(c) the debate on the said motion shall be closed by the Taoiseach who shall be called on by the Chair not later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd July.
With regard to No. 2, I take it it will be possible for a speaker from the Opposition Benches to get in for an hour before the Taoiseach rises to conclude. That can be arranged.
It is a matter for the Chair.
It is proposed under this motion that the Taoiseach will be called on to conclude at 4 o'clock on Thursday. I merely want to secure that the speaker who immediately precedes the Taoiseach on Thursday will be a speaker called from the Opposition Benches. About an hour will be required for a concluding speech by the Opposition.
It will be difficult for the Chair to give any definite promise but the Chair will do its best.
Of course, the Chair will take it that that is objected to— very strongly objected to.
Mr. O'Higgins
By whom?
By me. I object to any such procedure.
Are you Government or Opposition?
I am a member of this House.
I take it the Taoiseach understands that in discussing a motion like this, in which it is agreed he may have two hours to conclude, the speaker who immediately precedes him may be an Opposition speaker.
I want the Chair to realise that as a member of the HouseI object to any such arrangement. An arrangement has been come to to have the Taoiseach get in at a certain time and I take it that the Chair will call members in the ordinary way from each side of the House, one after the other.
The usual procedure.
And in proportion. If that is done we will hear Deputy Cowan on very many fewer occasions.
The business is arranged in the way best to give satisfaction to the entire House.
Motion agreed to.