Dún Laoghaire): I propose that, by agreement, items Nos. 1 to 9, if not concluded, earlier, will be brought to a conclusion by 7 p.m. today and that the debate on Vote No. 49, if not previously concluded, will be brought to a conclusion at 10.30 p.m. today. I would ask Members to give the Minister the opportunity of replying. Normally, this involves about ten minutes.
Business of Dáil.
Is there agreement about the Minister concluding on Nos. 1 to 9 and if so, at what time is the Minister to get in?
(Dún Laoghaire): The Minister is to get in at 6.50 p.m.
Is there any agreement about the Minister concluding on the Vote for Industry and Energy?
(Dún Laoghaire): We have tended to allow free debates on Estimates and to leave the matter to people who are in the Chamber at the time to come to some agreement but it would be normal to allow the Minister to conclude on Estimates for 20 to 30 minutes. I hope we can reach agreement on that later.
It is a matter for the House.
I have no wish to engage in an argument on this but the Minister is probably referring to a situation — and this did not happen last week — in which a Minister comes into the House with a one-and-a-half hour script. In such a case it is hardly fair to allow a Minister a further 15 minutes at the end. I have no objection to the Minister for Industry and Energy concluding at 6.50 p.m.
A number of speakers on the benches opposite were insistent that I should reply to the debate. It may suit me better not to have to do so, but it is the wish of some Deputies that I reply.
In order to make matters that much easier for the Chair, he wishes to have the position clarified. There is nothing in the Order of the House about the Minister for Industry and Energy concluding.
Dún Laoghaire): We propose 10 o'clock.
Is that agreed?
Agreed.
Is that an order of the House?
(Dún Laoghaire): Yes.
Does the Minister want half-an-hour to conclude?
Yes.