Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I mean Easter. This economic recession is having an awful effect. I get confused with the equinox. When will the Dáil debate on the budget take place if it is presented to us in Easter week?

At the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis on Friday night last, the Taoiseach announced a reduction in the maximum amounts that could be contributed to political parties and in the amounts which were to be declared. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government reannounced the same proposals last weekend. There is an electoral Bill before the House that is due for debate tomorrow and Thursday. However, the proposals for that debate are being restricted by guillotines and so on. The Labour Party intends to submit an amendment to that Bill to give effect to the announcement that the Taoiseach made at his Ard-Fheis. We are doing this in order to be helpful and to get the legislative process moving. There is clearly agreement from the Government on this, so I do not see how it can be contentious. During the debate on that Bill, will the Taoiseach ensure sufficient time will be allowed for taking and hopefully agreeing that amendment?

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