Before the debate on the Health Bill is resumed I should like to ask the Acting Leader of the House whether it is intended to vary the normal hours of sitting, whether it is intended to continue beyond 5 p.m.
Business of the Seanad.
I propose we should sit on this evening and, if possible, finish the Second Stage of the Bill. I, therefore, ask the House, if at all possible, to agree to let the Minister begin his reply not later than 9.30 p.m.
There are some difficulties in this. A large number of Senators have offered and at this stage there can be no guarantee that the debate could be concluded at that time. It is difficult to ask Members of the House to limit themselves unduly on so important a measure. It might, perhaps, be advisable to say that any indication given now would be purely tentative. It might be better if the Whips conferred and reported to the Acting Leader of the House before 5 p.m.
I do not wish to push the House to make any definite agreement but I suggest we should make an effort to finish the Second Stage of the Bill this evening. The Minister will take approximately an hour to deal with the various points made and I suggest that provisionally we agree to let the Minister in at 9.30 p.m.
If by 5 p.m. it seems that this will be impossible, will the House then adjourn until next week?
It would be better if we waited to see until 5 p.m.
Can we take it for granted there will be a discussion on the matter at 5 p.m.?
I understand the matter will be considered again at 5 p.m.