It is proposed to take No. 1 only and to break for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Leader of the House at what time is it proposed to end tonight?
So far as today's business is concerned, we normally finish at 5 p.m., but that does not mean the debate on Second Reading has to be ended at that time. It can continue if there are more Senators to contribute.
Would the House consider sitting later than 5 o'clock in view of the urgency of this measure and the fact that it has been delayed unnecessarily until the tail end of the business of the House? Why has the Minister, who has the authority of his party to bring this Bill in, not come to the Seanad before now and done that? This is simply a token gesture by the Minister.
Senator Browne has got his usual few lines on the Order of Business. I assume that is the main purpose of his intervention.
Could I ask the Leader of the House for an answer to my question? Why can we not sit later than 5 o'clock?
Is the Order of Business agreed?
Order of Business agreed to.