It is proposed to take items Nos. 14, 1, 2 and 15. It is also proposed notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that: the proceedings on the resumed Second Stage of No. 14 shall be brought to a conclusion not later than 12.30 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the speech of each Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case and (ii) the Minister or Minister of State at the Department of the Environment shall be called upon not later than 12.10 p.m. to make a speech in reply not exceeding 20 minutes. In the case of the Second Stages of items Nos. 1, 2 and 15: (i) the opening speech of the Minister or Minister of State and the speeches of the main spokespersons nominated by Fine Gael, Labour and the Democratic Left shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case, (ii) the speech of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes and (iii) the Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply not exceeding 15 minutes. Private Members' Business shall be No. 19 and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Are the proposals for dealing with No. 14, the Second Stage of the Electoral (No. 2), Bill, 1991, satisfactory?
Will the Government agree that the Committee Stage of this Bill be taken in Special Committee? It is a detailed Bill and has already gone through the Seanad. A Special Committee would give us an opportunity to deal with all the matters arising, particularly the Minister's commitment last night. It might be appropriate if the Tánaiste would respond positively.
I understand that the Whips are discussing that procedure.
Otherwise I take it the matter is agreed. Is there agreement on the proposals for dealing with the Second Stages of items Nos. 1, 2 and 15 and the proposal that Private Members' Business shall conclude at 8.30 p.m.?
I seek clarification on items Nos. 1, 2 and 15. In the event of item No. 1 not being completed, will these arrangements apply to items Nos. 2 and 15 if they are taken later? Is the House deciding that now or will it be decided later?
The Whips will decide that.
This order applies only to today.
The Whips will come to a conclusion on that.
The House will agree that in the present difficult economic circumstances for most families, interest rates will only be brought down and jobs protected if there is a convincing and sustainable medium-term economic policy. Have the Cabinet yet decided whether they will be introducing Estimates for 1993 as a Government? If not, will they bring this present demoralising and disgraceful farce to an end?
The Estimate work is being done at the moment and the House can be assured that this Government will not walk away from their responsibilities with regard to the budget.
In view of the statement by the Danish Government that they intend to seek to opt out from certain sections of the Maastricht Treaty, have the Government considered the matter and do they agree with this approach? If so, do they accept the necessity for a second referendum in Ireland as a result?
This is not a matter for the Order of Business. I am sure Deputy De Rossa will find another way of raising that matter.
It does have a bearing. The Government made a statement last week. The Danish Government are saying they want to opt out of certain sections of the Maastricht Treaty. It would be useful for this House to know the Government's thinking on the matter.
There are many other ways of raising the matter.
If the Government intend to introduce Estimates for expenditure for 1993, when will they do so?
In December as usual.