It is proposed to take items Nos. 1, 23, 3 to 19, inclusive, and No. 27.
Order of Business.
I agree the Order of Business but I might make a couple of points arising therefrom. First of all it is proposed to take Financial Motions Nos. 3 to 19, inclusive. We propose to agree to those without discussion on the understanding that we are not necessarily accepting the principles enshrined in them and that they will be dealt with by us on the different sections.
Secondly, as we did last year — in order to expedite discussion of the Finance Bill as a whole — we should like to suggest, as an informal agreement at this stage, that today Chapters I and II of the Finance Bill be dealt with and disposed of. It is just in order to set out a programme of work for the House.
I believe that is in fact agreed. I am sure we can have a programme and discuss it.
Is it agreeable to the House that Chapters I and II be disposed of today?
It is an informal arrangement.
Yes, I do not think we should make it a rule of the House; it is a gentleman's agreement.
That is a good term for it — a gentleman's agreement between the Leader of the Opposition and myself.
We will have no difficulties about it.
On the Order of Business, might I ask the Tánaiste when the Government propose to publish their National Economic Plan and when will it be brought before Dáil Éireann?
That is very hard.
A six-marker.
Five and a half. I am sure the Deputy is aware that the National Economic Plan, which has been reported to the Government, has just been made available in the last number of days. Discussions will now take place in Government with a view to forming a plan. It would be too early at this stage to give a date for bringing it before the House.
Will we have it before the summer recess?
It is unlikely that we will have it before the summer recess.
So there will be no plan before the House?
The Deputy will have it before he is on the Front Bench.