It is proposed to take business in the following order:— Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 6; Private Members' business will be taken at 9 p.m.
Order of Business.
Could the Taoiseach say what the sitting days will be next week?
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I presume.
Is it proposed to adjourn at the end of next week?
We hope so, if the Second Reading is completed.
Will there be the customary period of adjournment?
What is the customary period of adjournment? Sometimes it is very irregular.
We usually adjourn until Febraury. Is that what it will be on this occasion?
I can inform the Deputy that if we do not get the Second Reading of the Bill before the House we will have to come back early.
Come back immediately after Christmas?
Shortly after.
As soon as may be. I cannot say definitely.
Has the Taoiseach consdiered the question I asked the Tánaiste last week with reference to the Referendum Bill introduced by the Minister for Local Government? I was originally given that as a Bill that must be doen this session and I suggested that there would have to be some second thoughts on that because it could not be done this session.
They do not know.
If we get the Second Reading, that can be left over.
We do not know how the Opposition mind works.
I did not hear the Taoiseach's reply.
If we get the Second Stage of the Bill before the House completed before Christmas, then we canj leave the other over until after Christmas.
I cannot see the Second Stage of the Bill being completed unless we sit here until Christmas Eve.
What special circumstances warrant this Bill a speedy passage throughout the House? Why the indecent haste?
On the order of business, I think some confusion has arisen. I understood that Deputy Sweetman wanted to know what is the present position in reference to the Referendum Bill, which is a machinery Bill. It was pointed out that it was circulated only last week.
That would be taken after Christmas.
It is not essential that it should be taken this side of Christmas?
No, but desired.
It is not essential to do so.
That is a welcome change.