It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1 and 24 (Votes 26 and 26 supplementary), No. 4 and No. 24 (Votes 34 and 35) and No. 5. It is proposed to take Vote 26 supplementary and No. 4 with Vote No. 26 and to take No. 5 with Vote No. 34.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Minister when he proposes to take the National College of Art Bill and whether he would be prepared to take it immediately in view of the situation created by the Government's decision last night to close the National College of Art? It is clearly a matter of the greatest urgency that a Bill should be passed—this one I would hope with many amendments—in order to constitute a board so that the College can reopen. There is no art education taking place now and, unless a Bill is passed pretty quickly, the possibility of its taking place in this academic year will be remote. We are prepared to co-operate in any way possible to get it taken as soon as possible.
We cannot discuss it now.
Could this be discussed with a view to taking it this evening or tomorrow in lieu of the existing business?
I suggest this is a matter for discussion between the Whips.
Would the Minister be willing to consider such a proposal?
The Minister for Education has made it very clear that he regards this Bill as a matter of urgency. I think that what has happened, apart from that, is another matter. Certainly the Bill is regarded as a matter of urgency but, as the Deputy knows, there are a number of other very urgent matters too. I think the order of priority could best be discussed between the Whips.
Will the Minister agree that the urgency is somewhat enhanced by reason of the fact that the college is closed? Will he not agree that to take Estimates at this stage——
We cannot discuss it now.
Other people might have different priorities from that suggested by the Deputy.
The Government have closed the college. It is their responsibility.