It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and to take No. 3 at 7.45 p.m., or earlier if No. 2 has concluded.
Order of Business.
On the question of business and the ability of Members of this House to carry out their duties and functions in an efficient and dignified fashion, is the Cathaoirleach aware that some Members do not yet have office accommodation?
It is hardly relevant on the Order of Business but I certainly will look into the matter and communicate with the Senator.
Thank you.
With regard to item No. 2, regarding the Curriculum and Examinations Board, is it proposed to complete the debate on this matter today? I do appreciate that last week we asked for a week's grace to study the Minister's speech, but there are a large number of documents referred to in the Minister's speech, for instance the Public Examinations Evaluation Project which is fairly large, and I am inclined to feel that it would be of help to Senators if the debate did not conclude today.
In reply to Senator O'Connell on the question of accommodation, I think all Senators are acutely aware of the position which is reaching, to put it mildly, crisis proportions for Members of this House who wish to fulfil their functions in the normal parliamentary manner. Therefore, I am very glad that the Cathaoirleach has agreed to take the matter up and to communicate with the Senator. I should be very glad to hear what the Cathaoirleach has to say on that subject.
On the matter raised by Senator McGuinness, of course we were aware when introducing it of the extent and wide-ranging quality of this motion and I understand there are a great many people of expertise in this House who wish to contribute. I do not feel, and it is certainly not an intention, that this motion should conclude today.
Order of Business agreed to.