I move:
That the Dáil sit later than 11 p.m. today and that the hour at which business is to be interrupted be not later than 12 midnight.
Motion for Late Sitting.
Why does the Taoiseach put any limits at all? I do not expect the debate will take that long, but I do not think it should be confined to a particular hour?
I am not married to that time. I do not mind if it goes a little later. I think it is generally undesirable to keep Deputies in the House beyond midnight, if it is possible to finish by midnight. We also have two long days ahead of us.
In the past this House has sat until 6 and 7 o'clock in the morning on much less important matters than this. I have no intention of prolonging this debate but I think it would be fair to the House not to put a finishing time on the debate.
I was under the impression that by agreeing to sit after 10.30 p.m. and up to midnight the Labour Party would agree to finish the debate at that time. I do not know what has caused the change of mind— if, in fact, there has been a change of mind. It seems to me that there will be plenty of time in the next four and a half hours to debate the terms of reference. I have no objection to sitting until midnight but I do not want the House sitting indefinitely. Deputy Dr. O'Donovan has not been here for the past couple of years; he has only been here in the last week or so but he must realise that Deputies will want to answer one another but they may not be so co-operative with each other at one or two in the morning.
I accept the Taoiseach's view. I do not think he is unreasonable. I simply want to put forward the point of view that on a serious matter such as this we ought not to prescribe a time limit. I think it is reasonable that the House be prepared, if necessary, to sit until midnight but this may be an invitation for certain people to take too long. The Taoiseach will appreciate that I do not take too long.
One o'clock.
Thank you very much.
(Cavan): What time will the Taoiseach get in at?
Fifteen minutes will be sufficient for me.
The Taoiseach will be called not later than 12.45 a.m.
Are we all right for divisions if there are any?
Divisions can continue. The amendments and the motion will be discussed together. Deputy Corish will move the first amendment.
Motion, as amended, put and agreed to.