It is proposed to take Nos. 14 and 15. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that (1) the Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and shall adjourn not later than 4 p.m. (2) Public Business tomorrow shall be confined to the undisposed part of today's announced business. (3) Any divisions demanded tomorrow shall be postposed until 6.45 p.m. on Wednesday, 27 June 1990. (4) At the conclusion of business tomorrow the Dáil shall adjourn until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 27 June 1990.
Order of Business.
Is the first proposal, that the Dáil shall meet tomorrow——
On the Order of Business, I agree with the proposals generally but I have two remarks to make.
Should we not agree the Order of Business?
I am speaking to the business and Deputy Quinn should not get in the way. I should like to say — and I know the House will agree with me — that I hope the meeting of the European Council on Monday and Tuesday next will be successful and, in particular, that it can make positive arrangements for pushing forward the work on economic and monetary union and on European political union. The second remark is that, as far as I can remember, this is the sixth meeting of a European Council held in Dublin and it will be the first occasion on which the Dáil has not sat for that reason.
Certain things can be adverted to on the Order of Business and others cannot.
In relation to No. 4, I assume, on the basis of what Deputy Dukes said, that we are not sitting on Tuesday because of the Summit. I certainly was not informed of the fact that it was not proposed to sit on Tuesday and it was not agreed, as far as I am aware, at any Whips' meetings. Nevertheless, I do not oppose the proposal because it is essential that the Taoiseach and the Government should be free to do their business at the European Council. However, we will resist any attempt on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to extend the hours to deal with the Broadcasting Bill, because there should not be an attempt to do so next week.
The Chair must be clear. Is the Deputy opposing any aspect of this morning's proposals?
Is it agreed that the Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30? Agreed.
Is it agreed that public business tomorrow be confined to undisposed business? Agreed.
Is it agreed that any divisions demanded tomorrow should be postponed unitl Wednesday, 27 June at 6.45 p.m.? Agreed.
Is it agreed that, at the conclusion of business tomorrow, the Dáil shall adjourn until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 27 June 1990? Agreed.
Deputy De Rossa has indicated that he wishes to move a Private Members' Bill, item 9, on the Order Paper.