It is proposed to take business in the following order: No. 6 (resumed) and Questions from 2.30 to 5 p.m. The sittings for next week will be as follows: Tuesday, 3 to 10.30 p.m., Wednesday, 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. and Thursday, 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Order of Business.
Mr. Lynch
On the Order of Business, and in relation to the Taoiseach's announcement regarding next week's sittings, I should like to reiterate what was conveyed to the Taoiseach through his Parliamentary Secretary, that is, that in our agreeing to the longer sittings we hope this extra time will be availed of to ensure that the legislation which must be passed before the Easter Recess will be brought forward in sufficient time to enable ample discussion from this side both at Second and Committee Stages. I refer in particular to the capital acquisitions tax and wealth tax Bills which, apparently, are envisaged for circulation, discussion and conclusion during this session.
I appreciate the remarks of the Leader of the Opposition and will endeavour to arrange what he suggests. However, he will understand that in the changed procedures we have adopted, up to now the only change in the procedure was to the advantage of the Opposition, namely, that extra Private Members' time has been allowed. In accordance with a recent agreement the Law Reform Commission Bill is being transferred to a special committee but committees are not being used for these other Bills. For that reason the Deputy will appreciate that the progress we had anticipated has not been made and in so far as it is possible to do so, the legislation will be brought forward.
My remarks apply specifically to the Finance Bill, because I am endeavouring to ensure that the unsatisfactory situation which arose last year will be avoided. At that time we had to discuss late into the night determination of a Bill which required long and detailed discussion.
Because of the unsatisfactory financial situation of the Avoca mines and of the large public investment in that industry, I wish to raise on the adjournment the future of the mines.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.