It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1 and 19. Questions at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, could the Taoiseach indicate at what stage the Minister for External Affairs, who is leading our negotiations, will speak in this debate?
I do not know.
Will it be next week?
I do not know; it may be today.
Is the Minister not going to speak after Deputy FitzGerald?
There is no reason that I know why he should do so. I do not know the purpose of all these questions. Last week it was whether I would be leading and closing the debate and now it is a case of when the Minister for External Affairs will speak. We will order the speakers as we see fit.
Of course you will, but I was merely wondering at what point in the debate the Minister for External Affairs would speak in view of the fact that he is leading our negotiations.
When is the Deputy going to speak?
Well, I am not of the same status as the Minister for External Affairs.
No, but the Deputy is trying to put himself on the same status as the Minister.