There has been a delay in the Taoiseach's arrival. I propose we suspend the House until 4.30 p.m., at which time the Taoiseach will be present.
Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil
We have been asked to come back in here after a suspension of ten minutes for a statement from the Taoiseach. We should consider, if we are to suspend for a further period, whether there will be an opportunity, maybe of five minutes for each grouping to respond to the Taoiseach's statement. The groupings need not take the five minutes, if the Taoiseach has something underwhelming to say. However, we definitely should be given the opportunity to respond to what he has to say.
Hear, hear.
Let me make it clear the Taoiseach has requested to make a statement under Standing Order 45, which does not normally provide for further debate. However, it is at the discretion of the Ceann Comhairle that other statements may be made, so I would propose that five minutes would be provided to each Opposition group to make a statement. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Sitting suspended at 4.22 p.m. and resumed at 4.33 p.m.