Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Sep 1982

Vol. 99 No. 1

Statement by Cathaoirleach.

An Cathaoirleach

I warmly welcome you all back from the holidays that none of us has had. On 20 September I received a request signed by 30 Senators to summon a meeting of the Seanad for the specific purpose of discussing a motion set out in the request. The request complied with Standing Orders and I accordingly summoned this meeting. The text of the motion and the names of the 30 Senators are printed in today's Order Paper.

In consequence of the procedures which have been brought here today there is only one item of business before us — the motion on the Order Paper. There is, therefore, no occasion for us to have our usual friendly discussion on an Order of Business.

Mr. Ross

On a point of order, I think it is agreed that we have an open-ended debate of up to half-an-hour for each speaker and that we will sit until 10.30 p.m.

An Cathaoirleach

I was about to call on the Leader of the House.

Mr. E. Ryan

I understand the position is that we will sit until 10 p.m. today and that each speaker will be allowed half-an-hour.

Mr. Ferris

Do I take it that the House will sit tomorrow if necessary?

Mr. E. Ryan

Yes.

Mr. P. Reynolds

Can the Leader of the House say up to what time he expects the debate to continue tomorrow?

Mr. E. Ryan

I do not think that arises at this time. We will sit until 10 p.m. today. If the debate has not concluded by then we will sit tomorrow morning at 10.30 when we can review the situation. situation.