It is proposed to take Nos. 12, 1, 7, 8 and 9. A debate on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 30 shall be taken at 5.30 p.m. I am also proposing to the House that four hours be allocated for that Motion and that the allocation of time within that period be decided by the Whips.
Order of Business.
May I make a suggestion in relation to the working out of the details by the Whips that it include provision for a reply by a member of the Government, let us say for the last 20 minutes of the debate or whatever period is thought appropriate? Without that the debate becomes simply a series of statements which is not appropriate to the importance of the various topics that have arisen in the last seven days.
That is not a matter for the Chair but I am sure it is something that can be seriously considered by the Whips.
I was glad to hear the Taoiseach say that four hours will be allocated for the debate. However, the Taoiseach also said that the allocation of time in the debate will be arranged by the Whips but, unfortunately, The Workers' Party will not be represented at the meeting of the Whips. May I have an assurance that we will be enabled to participate in the debate and that time will be allocated to a speaker from The Workers' Party?
Yes, I think there would be general agreement that the leader of The Workers' Party should be allocated some appropriate time.
I take it that those arrangements are satisfactory and I will proceed to the ordinary Business of the House.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach if it is intended to allow time for a debate on the special report by the Ombudsman presented to the Oireachtas last week.
That is a matter for the Whips.
I do not wish to raise unnecessary technicalities at this stage but a colleague has drawn to my attention that there is a need for a member of the Government to move that the Dáil will sit late tonight to allow for the debate we have just agreed to. Perhaps a Member from the Government's side will do that so that we can work out the details.
That matter has been put to the House by me and there is no ambiguity about it as far as the Chair is concerned.