It is proposed to take business in the following order: No. 10 (Vote 43, and the Supplementary Estimate); Nos. 11, 12, 4, 13, 5, 14, 6 and 15. If not already reached, it is proposed to interrupt business at six o'clock to take Nos. 11, 12, 4, 13, 5, 14, 6 and 15.
Order of Business.
Is it contemplated in the light of experience to date, that the adjournment is likely to take place at the end of next week?
Yes. I think it would be no harm for the Whips to meet again today. It is necessary to make arrangements to conclude the financial business this week to permit of the Appropriation Bill being passed in the Seanad next week. In connection with these arrangements, I think the programme of business for next week can be arranged also.
Is it proposed to put the Motion on the Order Paper?
Yes. There is some technical question as to when it should be put on the Order Paper.
I suggest it ought to be put on the Order Paper tomorrow.
Would that include the Taoiseach's Estimate?
No. The proposition is that, apart from the Estimate on Agriculture and the Supplementary Estimate, the remainder of the Estimates be put back for discussion next session.
That is quite clear, but it is intended also to put the Taoiseach's back to next session?
Yes.
Perhaps the Taoiseach could give us some information. When asked by Deputy Norton last week if it was intended to introduce a Supplementary Estimate for the Avoca mines, I think he said it would.
I think I can say a Supplementary Estimate will be necessary.
Before we adjourn?
Before we adjourn.
Did the Taoiseach say his Estimate is being put back, or will it be taken next week?
There will be an adjournment debate.
The Estimate will be adjourned to next session. The normal practice of taking the Taoiseach's Estimate with the motion for the Adjournment could have been operated but, presumably, there will be a discussion on the Adjournment Motion next week.
That will be a wider debate then.
I think convenience might be met by giving the Estimates and associating with the Adjournment Debate a token Estimate for the Taoiseach's Department in order to give full scope to the debate. If the Whips meet, these details can be arranged. It may not be necessary to do as I suggest. The Adjournment Debate may be wide enough.
I think the debate would be wider without a token Estimate.
There is the possibility that there might be two debates on the Taoiseach's Estimate then.
I presume there will be an Adjournment Debate next Christmas, too. I do not see a great deal in it.