Vol. 335 No. 5
I move:
That a sum not exceeding £344,917,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1982, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, and of certain services administered by that Office, and for payment of certain grants-in-aid.
While I acknowledge that the agreement was to conclude Estimates by 5 o'clock this evening, in future when an arrangement like this is entered into between the Whips I suggest that they take cognisance of the fact that this does not meet what we have set out to do. We are passing £345 million in about 30 seconds. In future if there is agreement whereby all Estimates are to conclude by a certain time on a certain day the Estimates to be concluded should have not less than a certain discussion period. I recommend at least one hour or possibly two hours per Vote.
The Chair will have the Deputy's recommendation communicated to the Whips.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs are particularly fortunate at this time because those of us who are involved in it can bring it in when we are discussing the new Bill which is before the House, but it is not fair as far as the Department of Social Welfare are concerned or in the case of a very important Estimate for Health.
I am voicing not my disagreement but my concern for the fact that here we have in effect the last Estimate for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs likely to be put before the House and we have exactly one minute to put it through. It is regrettable, nonetheless I have to accept the ruling.
The Chair would say to Deputy O'Sullivan, as it did to Deputy Fitzpatrick earlier, that they might convey their feelings to their respective Whips. The order comes to the Chair, the Chair is informed that agreement is there and must accept that.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I suggest, with Deputy Harte agreeing, that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs might facilitate a debate later in the year in accordance with precedent by introducing a Supplementary Estimate for £10.
As Deputy Harte has said, the full details of the Department in its two new forms will be the subject of debate in the House and all those interested will have an opportunity to contribute on the remaining portion of Second Stage, on Committee Stage and on the other Stages of the Bill.
Except those who have already spoken.
Quite. As it was the previous Government who put the Book of Estimates together, that, taken with the fact that there will be a full debate on the two separate boards, makes the Department of Posts and Telegraphs a little more fortunate than the other Departments. I agree with the general view that we should have fuller discussions as often as possible. I would be prepared to debate the highlights of the Derby winner if I had the time to do it.
The Chair must remind the House that we have exceeded the time. We have a matter on the Adjournment. I take it that the Vote is agreed to?
