It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 2. It is proposed that the Second Stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill will be completed today, with the Minister concluding not later than 8 o'clock, and to take the remaining Stages tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.
Order of Business.
I want to ask the Leader of the House what is the position about Private Members' motions. Can she tell us when is it proposed to take one?
I should like to ask when it is proposed that the Leader of the House will table on the Order Paper of the Seanad the enabling motions establishing the semi-State bodies committee, the committee on development co-operation and the committee on marriage reform.
In reply to Senator Eoin Ryan, it is hoped to begin taking Private Members' motions at next week's sitting of the House. We will be in consultation with the Opposition regarding the precise motion to be taken, having regard to the availablity of Ministers. On the question of the various committees, raised by Senator Quinn, I have been actively pursuing the matter of the semi-State bodies committee and the development co-operation committee. I understand the position regarding the State-sponsored bodies committee is that the preliminary stages to putting down the motion in this House are very nearly concluded. I intend to follow it to a speedy conclusion so that we may have the motion very soon. I understand it is almost prepared for this House.
The development co-operation committee is a slightly more complicated matter. This is the setting up of a new Joint Committee of a complex nature. I understand many Departments are involved in discussions about the precise terms of reference of that committee. Therefore, its setting up is not as near to a conclusion as is the setting up of the State-sponsored bodies committee. I have no report to give to the House on the progress of the motion setting up the Joint Committee on marriage. It is a matter of great concern to all of us, including myself. The last information I had on that, which was not very recent information, was that the terms of reference were being finalised. I would hope we would have these three motions before the House this side of the Christmas recess.
Order of Business agreed to.