It is proposed to take No. 1 and to break for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2.15 p.m. I should mention also that the Taoiseach proposes to make a statement to the House arising from the recent EEC Summit meeting and I propose that we interrupt business at 4 o'clock to hear the statement of the Taoiseach. I think it would be proper at this stage to express appreciation from all sides of the House that the Seanad is being recognised in this way. I think it is the first occasion on which it has happened, presumably because the other House is not sitting. It is well to record that the position of the Seanad, as one of the Houses of Parliament being in session, is being recognised in the fact that the Taoiseach is coming to make the statement here. I suggest we interrupt business at 4 o'clock to hear the Taoiseach and whatever other contributions are allowed following it and then resume on No. 1.
Order of Business.
That last remark of the Leader of the House brings me to the question I intended to ask. I take it that the recognition of the Seanad extends to a reasonable period of discussion on the matter?
I did not want to anticipate any decision the Chair might take. That was the reason I put it as I did.
I take it that if a statement of this importance is made that at least some clarifying questions may be put?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Let us not anticipate what the statement might contain. As Senators are aware, there is no precedent in the House, as Senator O'Higgins has mentioned. I will permit a short comment by the Leader of the Opposition and one comment from the Independent Senators. In the Dáil, which is the nearest precedent we can act on, they allow comment from the Leaders of the Opposition parties. Senators will appreciate that it is not a debate.
I appreciate that it is not a debate but, at the same time, if the Taoiseach feels that this is an important statement and, as the Leader of the House said he is honouring the Seanad by making the statement here, I think it would be wrong to have Members of the Seanad gagged in making observations on the subject matter of that statement, whatever it might be.