It is proposed to take Business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 13 and, in 13, Votes Nos. 44, 45 and 43 (resumed). By agreement, it is proposed that any Estimate division due to be taken at 10.15 p.m. next Tuesday will be taken at 10.15 p.m. on Wednesday instead. Questions from 2.30 to conclude.
Order of Business.
Does the Taoiseach still hope to circulate the Finance Bill tomorrow?
Yes.
It is almost three months since the budget and I think it is time we saw it. The only substantial business ordered for today is the closing speeches by the Ministers concerned on the Defence and Posts and Telegraphs Estimates. I do not know how long these speeches will be but they will probably be short. As there may be a hiatus between the end of the speeches and the commencement of Questions at 2.30, may I suggest that Questions be taken immediately after the concluding speeches?
Agreed.
May I explain why there are only two Estimates on the Order of Business? I did not anticipate that the Social Welfare Estimate would end as quickly as it did.
We should order more Business.
The Leader of the Opposition knows the usual form for Thursday. He does not need to have it spelled out for him.