It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11—Votes 45, 45 and 23—and then No. 12. Questions will be taken at 2.30 p.m. Motions Nos. 23 and 30 are being discussed in conjunction with Vote 45.
Order of Business.
Why does the Taoiseach speak of Votes 45, 45 and 23? What is the significance of that?
There is the token Estimate for Transport and Power, plus a Supplementary Estimate.
Might I ask the Taoiseach if, in view of the fact that the Government have agreed to take two motions similar to my motion No. 29 in relation to the exorbitant bus fares inposed on Dublin workers, he would agree to have my motion also discussed with the Estimate for Transport and Power?
Yes. We can take them all together.
Does that mean now that motion No. 29 goes in with the other motions?
With motions Nos. 23 and 30. That is right.
Might I ask whether the Taoiseach has given any further consideration to the possibility of allowing a separate decision to be taken on Estimate No. 18 while the discussion in connection with the Estimate will take place on the main Estimate?
I have no objection at all to a separate vote after the one discussion, but it is a matter entirely for the Dáil Office to decide how that can be done.
But, as things stand, it would have to be on No. 6?
I cannot quite understand this reluctance to vote on No. 6.
He is reluctant to vote against No. 6. He wants to vote against No. 18.
Would it be possible to have that arranged?
If it can be done.
I understand from the inquiries I have made that technically it is not possible, unless the Taoiseach allows No. 18 to appear formally on the Order Paper. If there were agreement on both sides of the House that the discussion on No. 18 would take place on No. 6, but a separate decision would be taken on No. 18, that would meet the position. If the Taoiseach were agreeable to allowing it to appear like that on the Order Paper, I imagine the House would agree to the other suggestion.
I will consider that.