It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 2 in that order. Might I mention at this stage that the Tánaiste will not be available after 2.30 p.m. If No. 1 should continue until 2.30 p.m.—I do not know if it will—I suggest that we adjourn the consideration of No. 1 at that stage and pass on to No. 2 at 2.30 p.m. in any event.
Order of Business.
I should like to draw the attention of the Leader of the House to a motion put on the Order Paper yesterday, Motion No. 40. It is a motion that asks the Seanad to annul the European Communities (Fresh Poultry Meat) Regulations, 1976. It is in the names of Senator Eoin Ryan and myself as Members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities. This is the first motion that the Joint Committee are recommending be annulled. It will require time for the House to consider annulling it. I would ask the Leader of the House, at the first opportunity, to have the Minister for Agriculture available in the House in order that we may debate the motion which has been recommended by the Joint Committee for annulment.
That seems reasonable.
I was not quite clear about the timing of the Leader of the House. He seemed to say that the Tánaiste would not be available from 2.30 p.m. on and that if the debate on No. 1 continued until 2.30 p.m. we would then automatically switch to item No. 2. I had hoped that the Tánaiste would be here for the final shots in item No. 2 to see what happens; I am sure he would be interested.
That would be the Tánaiste's wish also. But the position is that the Tánaiste has in fact contributed to No. 2 and, as I mentioned earlier, while naturally Members of the Seanad would prefer that he should be available, nevertheless it does not seem that his attendance is essential. Rather than postpone the further discussion of No. 2 I am suggesting that if No. 1 is not finished by 2.30 p.m. we will pass on to No. 2 in any event.
For the information of Senators, may I ask is it proposed to adjourn for lunch or to sit right through?
I think that should be let ride until about 12.45 p.m. and see how we are progressing.
Perhaps the Leader of the House's words on time will encourage us to get through item No. 1 fairly speedily. I will do my best.
I cannot say that that was entirely removed from my mind.
The Order of Business, as proposed, is items Nos. 1 and 2, No. 2 to be taken at 2.30 if not previously reached. Is that agreed?
Order of Business agreed.