Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

When is it expected that the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will come before the House? Is it the intention of the Government to debate and deal with it before the House rises for the Christmas recess? I checked the calendar today and there are about ten working days left, if the number is not extended. If the Government sticks by 7 December for the budget does it intend to bring in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill directly after it and finish it before the House rises for the Christmas recess?

I am glad to note the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport has taken credence of the Fine Gael proposal to abolish the travel tax and I hope the airlines respond to the request. It should be done. We have been advocating it for two years.

It seems as if the days of the Government are somewhat limited and it might be appropriate for the Taoiseach not to have any stuffing of State boards and other positions during the period between now and a general election, which I understand he expects to hold in mid-February. The two boys are absent again today. I am not sure whether they are still playing their full part as members of the Cabinet----

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