I call on the Government Chief Whip in relation to a business proposal.
Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or in the Order of Business of Tuesday, 19 October 2021, that in relation to tomorrow’s sitting of the Dáil—
—the Dáil shall sit later than 9.27 p.m. and shall adjourn on the conclusion of Second Stage of Item 50 until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 2nd November 2021;
—Item 42a, Statements on Covid-19: Reframing the Challenge, continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, shall take place immediately following Item 42, and shall not exceed 145 minutes, with arrangements in accordance with those agreed by Order of the Dáil of 30 July 2020, for 135 minutes, following which a Minister or Minister of State may make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, and members may share time; and
—topical issues shall be taken on the conclusion of Government business or at 8.35 p.m., whichever is the earlier.
Is that agreed?
It is not agreed.
Go raibh maith agaibh-----
We all knew this was going to happen. I do not see why it is being announced to the Dáil on a Wednesday evening. Why is the Order of Business constantly being changed at the behest of the Government? There is a Business Committee.
There is no discussion. We are here to-----
There was a request from the Opposition-----
Yes but I am saying that I do not agree and I wish to put it to a vote if possible.
I thought the Deputy was joking.
I am not joking. I would ask the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to chair the debate in a neutral manner.
I genuinely thought you were joking. I apologise; I was foolish.
If I could explain, there was a request from the Opposition to have statements on Covid tomorrow. We are amending the Order of Business to facilitate that request and that is what I am doing this evening.
You are also ramming a number of other changes through.
There are no other changes. It is the exact same business as was agreed yesterday except for facilitating the request from the Opposition. That is all it is.
For the record, no other change has been made. A request was made, I understand it was unanimously agreed at the Business Committee and that is what has been read out. Does that clarify matters?
Thank you.
Question put and agreed to.