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Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1977

Vol. 86 No. 5

Order of Business.

It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 2 in that order. With regard to No. 1, it is suggested we should complete the Second Stage today and take Committee and remaining Stages tomorrow.

I suggest that if we finish the Second Stage today the Committee Stage be taken next week.

The Minister has reasons which he would possibly explain if the Senator asked him later. He might prefer to finish it this week and tomorrow would seem to be the suitable day.

Perhaps we could defer final consideration of this until later in the evening?

We will finish Second Stage today anyhow.

In view of Senator Robinson's statement on the Order of Business at the last meeting of the House concerning the negotiations regarding the taking of the Family Planning Bill and the initiative of the Tánaiste concerning that Bill, could the Leader of the House give us any indication when these consultations will conclude and when there will be an opportunity for us to conclude the Second Stage of the Family Planning Bill, No. 6 on the Order Paper? Could he confirm that the position is that the Tánaiste has still to receive a reply to his letter of initiative from one of the political parties?

I made inquiries about the position regarding the consultation with the other political parties and I understand that the process of consultation has not yet been completed. I am as anxious as Senator West is to see either the continuation of the Family Planning Bill or another initiative to change the law in this matter. I can assure him I will be making every effort to find out precisely what the position is and take action accordingly.

I am afraid consultation is just becoming delaying tactics now.

Is this not the classical illustration of us politicians refusing to deal with something which the leader of the last Government called the nettles which he was prepared to grasp at the time? Is it not time we took a decision and honestly faced the fact that this is a difficult and contentious issue? People should be made to stand up and take a position in regard to it for or against it. I regret to say now that it looks as if Senator Robinson is joining in the conspiracy to suppress a decision on this issue. We should proceed with this issue as a Seanad, a body of politicians who have a right to take this decision and discuss it if we decide in this House. Do not let us hide behind anybody else.

In relation to Senator Browne's remarks, so far as I am concerned I made my position quite clear on the Bill and as regards the rights of this House to discuss the Bill. This is not a Government measure, it is a private measure. As far as I am concerned I regard myself as being in the hands of the House once the Bill is on the Order Paper. It is open to the House, at any time the House decide, to order it, in order to continue the discussion here. It is a matter for individual Senators to decide when they wish to discuss it. As far as my party is concerned, this has been made abundantly clear several times. There is no question of a party whip being applied. If Senator Browne, Senator West, or any other Senator, wishes to propose the inclusion of No. 6 on the Order of Business they are at liberty to do so. Personally, so far as today is concerned, I would oppose it but every other Member of my group is free to make up his own mind whether he will support or oppose its inclusion on the Order of Business for today or any other day.

I move an amendment: "To add No. 6 to the Order of Business."

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Senator Brown is proposing an amendment that we add No. 6 to the Order of Business for today.

I second that.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I am putting the question: "That the Order of Business, as proposed, be agreed to."

Votáil.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

A division is being challenged on the Order of Business. Will the Senators seeking a division please rise in their places?

Senator West and Senator Browne rose.

Order of Business agreed to, Senator West and Senator Browne dissenting.

Bishops Rule still OK. Get up off your knees.

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