Vol. 241 No. 1
I move:
That the Dáil sit later than 8.30 p.m. to-day and that the hour at which business is to be interrupted be 12 midnight.
In moving this motion I think I would be interpreting the feeling of the House that we should not sit tomorrow but it seems there are so many people offering to speak that it might be necessary to sit beyond 10.30.
Could the Taoiseach just move the motion to sit late and let the Whips try to arrange a particular time?
We can rise in half an hour if necessary. The motion is there in case we did not finish at 10.30 p.m.
We do not have to be specific now? We could sit until 2, 3 or 5 in the morning?
Apparently, but could I move again to sit later than 12 midnight?
Does the Taoiseach have to name a time now?
Yes, before 8.30 p.m.
I think we should leave it indefinite. We do not want to prolong this debate unnecessarily but we still do not want to restrict any of our Members who want to speak. It appears to me it will not be too long.
We can sit tomorrow if that is necessary and I can withdraw my motion.
I am agreeing with the Taoiseach's motion.
It hardly seems necessary to sit tomorrow. Surely 8.30 until 12 gives adequate time?
Do not forget Deputies on this side of the House can speak.
Can they? We had begun to wonder.
Deputy FitzGerald ought not to be too facetious at this stage of his existence, because other people can be, too.
I hope they will be.
Our Deputies have not been speaking on this motion and we are anxious that this debate be concluded this evening so that a Government can be appointed. I take it it is the desire of the majority that we finish the business tonight and resume next Tuesday, which is a very early resumption having regard to the fact that this is the first meeting after a general election. I suggest we get the co-operation of Deputies, and if we do not get that co-operation——
The Taoiseach has said 12 o'clock.
"Not later than".
Yes. I think we ought to be able to accommodate those who wish to speak.
I support the Taoiseach's motion that we sit not later than 12 o'clock and conclude not later than that time.
That is a matter for agreement between the Whips. I am prepared to finish any time the Deputies opposite will agree with me.
Twelve o'clock is reasonable.
If we do not finish by 12 o'clock shall we adjourn until the morning?
Yes.
