It is proposed to take Nos. 10, 31, 32 and 1. By agreement No. 10 shall be taken without debate.
Order of Business.
Referring to something said yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Barrett, let me ask the Taoiseach what is the position regarding the Estimates this year and when may we expect the Book of Estimates to be published? I remind the Taoiseach that we are already, according to the Government's programme, at least two months behind time. Perhaps even at this stage the Taoiseach will tell me when we may expect the Book of Estimates.
I have started the Book of Estimates. I could not give a date at this stage. Perhaps the Deputy will inquire again and I will try to keep him up to date.
(Interruptions.)
Will the Chair bear with me if I raise this matter from time to time?
The Chair will consider on its merit any matter and the relevance of any matter raised.
Let me ask the Taoiseach if he will be in a position to say that we will have it before the Dáil rises for the Christmas recess.
I hope to do so but I could not guarantee that at this stage. It is a bit too soon to give a forecast of a firm date.
(Interruptions.)
Where is Deputy Bruton at this stage? Was it not he who promised——
(Interruptions.)
At least we had discussions about it.
Will you be kind enough to convey my deep regrets to Deputy Bruton that he was unable to keep this promise among a host of others?
The Chair acts only through a resolution of the House, so I will not be doing that.
I cannot hear. Deputy Barry must sometimes do more than interject. He must say something coherent.
I understood from a statement by the Taoiseach on the Order of Business yesterday in the Dáil that we would be dealing today with the Bill providing for the homeless. Is it proposed to take it today? I know it has been listed but is it proposed to reach it today?
It is on the Order of Business.
It was on the Order of Business yesterday. The Taoiseach told us yesterday that it was hoped to reach it today. Is it proposed to be reached today or when is it proposed to reach it? We seem to be having it listed but we do not seem to get to it.
That is an unusual question. It is on the Order of Business.
Yesterday, Sir, you kindly gave me permission to raise on the Adjournment of the House the matter of a provision of a new school at Drung, County Cavan but the double vote left us without time. I wish to raise it on the Adjournment today.
I will communicate with Deputy Wilson.
I understand from the media that the Single European Act is to be debated in this House in the next few weeks. In regard to those members of the European Parliament who are not members of this House, will the Taoiseach make the necessary arrangements for them to participate in the debate should they wish to do so?
That does not arise on the Order of Business. I am calling Deputy Matt Brennan.
Surely it is in order to ask the Taoiseach about it.
The people decide who speaks in this House.
(Interruptions.)
In view of tomorrow's closing date for the £2,000 new house grant and £3,000 mortgage subsidy and the number of people who have poured the foundations before 1 October, would the Minister put an advertisement in the provincial papers because a large number of people do not read the daily national papers?
I have to rule that that does not arise.
(Interruptions.)
I would like to raise on the Adjournment the issue of a promise made by the Minister of State at the Department of Education to extend Gorey CBS national school earlier this year. He has now said he will not and there is a possibility of a strike in Gorey.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Interruptions.)
Order please.
Following on questions yesterday regarding the abolition of the existing committee system, will the Government be introducing legislation on these changes before the end of this session?
I ruled that out of order, and it is still out of order.
I am asking the Taoiseach is it promised.
I admire the Deputy's efforts but it is out of order.
Could I have a reply to my question?
I ruled it out of order.