It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and to break for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
I should like to ask the Leader of the House what arrangements have been made for the inclusion of No. 9, The Family Planning Bill, in the Order of Business. It will be agreed that, n latter months, this has been a very nder-worked Seanad. The situation in elation to the whole question of amily planning has deteriorated rather han improved with the recent with hunt against the family planning leaflet. and the banning of it by the Censorship Board. Could the Leader of the House give us an undertaking that he will interest himself in this matter and see that the Bill, which has been on the Order Paper since 1974 intermittently, will be taken today?
If Senator Browne would have the courtesy to consult with me as the proposer of the Bill I could inform him that there are, in fact, active negotiations about the possibility of this Bill being taken before the Christmas vacation. In view of that, I would suggest that if he wishes to raise the matter he should ask me about it beforehand so that I can inform him on these developments.
I am an Independent Senator in this House, as I made clear on a previous occasion. I do not take the party Whip from the Labour Party and have not done so since the beginning of this Oireachtas. I might say in relation to patience, I have been pursuing this matter since about 1951, which is a period of 25 years. Surely that can be called patience.
As a matter of information, I do not think this a matter that should be stonewalled. We should get the precise information from the Leader of the House as to when we are likely to take the Bill. I am glad to hear from Senator Robinson that negotiations are in train, but can the Leader of the House indicate precisely when we can have a debate on this issue?
This should not be the subject of private negotiations. This is an open forum. This is an open Government, presumably. We should know what is going on. I personally propose to press the matter now unless I get an assurance from the Leader of the House.
There is no question of stonewalling on this Bill. I would be prepared to have a discussion and deal with the Bill today if that was the desire of the House. As Senator Browne properly points out, this is an open forum. He is perfectly entitled to raise this matter. It is a question of opinion as to whether or not he has shown discourtesy to Senator Robinson in not speaking to her about it first. I recognise, of course, as Senator Browne has pointed out, that he does not take the Labour Party Whip. Whatever his association or should I say liaison with the Labour Party, apparently it is not recognised by the House. There is no question of stonewalling as far as I am concerned.
The undertaking I gave on the last occasion was that the attention of the Tánaiste would be called to the views expressed in the House. The Government Whip here has, in fact, called the attention of the Tánaiste to the views which were expressed and, when arrangements are made suitable to him and to the proposer of the motion to have the Bill discussed here, I will be prepared to move it on the Order of Business. Senator Browne is quite alive to his rights and if others want to move it at any other time they are perfectly free to do so.
Is Senator Browne proposing an alteration in the Order of Business?
I move that No. 9 be included in today's Order of Business. It is quite clear that the pressure exerted last week, and the notice given to the Labour Party last week, are bearing some fruit. I think I should keep up the pressure.
One matter. I can appreciate Senator Robinson's position as the mover of the Bill. She said we will get it on a specific day before Christmas. Can the Leader of the House elaborate on that aspect?
No, not at the moment. I am not in a position to do so.
Why should the Leader of the House not be told about the business of the House?
A good question.
I hope that is reported.
Is there a seconder?
At this stage Fianna Fáil will not get into the issue in any contentious manner. I should like the Leader of the House to have specific or precise information for us on this matter by our next meeting. Otherwise we will support Senator Browne in his endeavour to get this matter debated.
That is an option which is open to the Senator. He can support Senator Browne now.
No, I agree to this. Maybe I am being over-courteous. I am asking the Leader of the House to come to us with precise information in open debate here at our next meeting and, if that is not available, we will be firm and vote solidly until there is an open and free debate on this matter.
Is there a seconder for the amendment?
Far be it from me to prevent Senator Lenihan from being firm. As soon as I have the information on a definite date I am quite prepared to give it to him or to the House in general.
We can take it then that there is no definite date as far as the Leader of the House is aware. I propose to press the matter.
In the absence of a seconder the amendment fails and the question is that the Order of Business as proposed be agreed to.
Vótáil.
The question is that the Order of Business be Items Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. On that question a division is being challenged. Will those Senators requesting a division please rise.
Senator Browne rose.
Order of Business agreed to, Senator Browne dissenting.