I understand, Sir, that it is the intention of the House to take tomorrow Motion No. 13, which relates to voting at 18. Now that we have completed our business for today at 8.20 p.m. it would seem to be a pity to adjourn and have to reassemble in the morning in order to take that motion—especially in view of the rather precipitate action of one of my colleagues in the other House who allowed the Minister the opportunity of saying this morning what I assumed he was going to say tomorrow morning in response to my motion.
Business of Seanad.
Is there now a row in Fine Gael as well as in the Labour Party?
No. I realise now that the Minister obviously went into the Dáil this morning in a hurry to promise a referendum to allow those of 18 and over to vote, because he was so afraid of the contributions which would be made here tomorrow morning.
Acting Chairman
Perhaps the Senator would explain to the Chair what he is attempting to speak about?
What I was going to suggest, both to facilitate the Chair and the Members of the House, is this. The motion has been languishing on the Order Paper for over a year. To enable the Minister to make up his mind on it, we might be able to move the motion now and very briefly dispose of it, rather than have the whole House reconvening tomorrow morning.
I discussed this matter with Senator O'Higgins today and he felt that there was no need for it now that the Minister has made the announcement in the other House. I discussed it with Senator Boland also. I thought he was just going to move it formally.
That is what I am suggesting. This is to prove to the House how very considerate I am. In view of the undertaking given by the Minister in the other House earlier today I will formally move my motion.
I move:
That Item No. 13 be added to the Order of Business.
Motion agreed to.