It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 15 (resumed), 7, 16 (resumed), and 17 (resumed); Private Members' Business from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., motion No. 43 by agreement.
Order of Business.
Might I inquire when the Finance Bill will be circulated?
This week.
Might I draw the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that last year we amended the law so that the statutory period within which the Second Stage of the Finance Bill would have to be passed was extended from 20 sitting days to 30 sitting days? Twenty-three sitting days have passed already, so that under the previous law we would be out of date and that leaves only seven sitting days by which the Second Stage must be passed. The Taoiseach will appreciate that, apart from a reasonable period needed by the Opposition to study the Bill, people outside wish to study it and make representations to the Minister and, perhaps, to the Opposition. In the past, on occasions like this we on this side of the House have been accused of obstruction and we have had all night sittings. I want to make it quite clear at this stage that a reasonable time is not being allowed for the discussion of the Finance Bill, and we do not wish— and we are giving notice now—to be accused of obstruction simply because the Government have failed to produce the Finance Bill within a reasonable time.
I appreciate what the Deputy has said but, as he is aware, in the last two years, under revised procedure the budget has been taken earlier. When this changed standing order was adopted I think sufficient account was not taken of the changed procedure. As I understand it, the Finance Bill has to pass into law under the existing time table by 29th May. These are factors that may be considered, but certainly there will be no suggestion that the Opposition are obstructing, and the Bill will be circulated next week.
May I ask the Taoiseach in regard to forthcoming legislation or existing legislation as the case may be, if he would advert to No. 25 on the Order Paper, Mergers, Take-overs and Monopolies (Control) Bill, 1974, which is stated on the Order Paper to be in committee and has been so stated for several months, in fact, years past? What is the position in relation to that Bill?
I understand the Minister is ready to go ahead with the Bill any time when the Dáil time table permits.
Any time?
I mean he is ready to go on with it provided other Bills do not take precedence.