The party Leaders had a further meeting some time ago and, as I stated earlier, we are anxious to accommodate the passage of the legislation in the shortest possible period. Following discussion with the party leaders, it is proposed that the second Bill — the short version giving privilege to Members appearing before the committee — will be taken tomorrow. It is hoped the Bill will be finalised by the Government at a meeting shortly after the House adjourns. The Attorney General continues to work on submissions I have given him from the Fianna Fáil Party, and from Deputies Bruton, Harney and Spring, as well as further considering matters from the earlier Bill, the compellability of witnesses legislation, which we also had before us in draft form today. He was to have provided me with a note for the commencement of this session but, unfortunately, he was unable to get it to me on time. I presume we will have that note in time for the Cabinet meeting.
It is the intention that the Bill will be published later tonight. The Bills Office stated it will take approximately two and a half hours from the time of the Cabinet meeting for the Bill to be published. Because of the legal and constitutional difficulties and other matters, and from previous experience in this House, the party leaders are in agreement that to put all Stages of this Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas tomorrow would be improper. It is proposed, therefore, that Second Stage of the Bill be taken from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. There is also a temporary proposal that the House will meet at midday on Tuesday next to take Committee and remaining Stages and the Seanad will meet later on Tuesday night. The Bill will then be referred to the President on Wednesday. That proposal is subject to change because some people, within the House or outside it, may wish to consider the Bill or some of the constitutional or other matters that might arise from it, although we believe our Bill, as mentioned by the Taoiseach this morning, stands the best chance of holding its position against any challenge. That is a matter for the President in the final instance but others may wish to offer their points of view and they will have an opportunity to do that over the weekend. I believe I speak for all party leaders when I say we hope people will examine the Bill over the weekend so that we will at least have a clear position and ensure that the legislation we will endeavour to pass on Tuesday night will stand any test. However, that is a matter for others.
Without making any strong political point, I think we realise that the matters I and the Minister of State stated here on Tuesday did not amount to window-dressing or filibustering. They were valid parliamentary points and I believe the House is now proceeding in the way we should have done on Tuesday. However, that is history. Because of the way we are now proceeding, the legislation will be passed but, we should consider the second issue over the weekend and refer it to the Whips to determine the best way of structuring an investigative committee. The view is held that the large committee which sat yesterday is perhaps not the best way to proceed but it is a matter for the Whips to reflect on tomorrow and we will stand over their report.
In summary, the Bill will be published later tonight, subject to the clearance of the Attorney General and the Cabinet meeting. There will be no delay by my party in that regard. The House will sit tomorrow from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take Second Stage of the Bill and, all going well, both Houses will sit next Tuesday to take Committee and remaining Stages. The Bill will then be referred to the President on Wednesday and if everything is in order — a matter totally for the President, not for me or the House — we will then deal with the matter on Thursday in whatever committee is decided.
I have now received the note, which is fairly long, from the Attorney General.