It is proposed to order Nos. 3, 1 and 2 in that order. It is also proposed that the Seanad should adjourn from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and that the business of the day should conclude at 5 p.m., the Adjournment debate being started at 4.30. I understand that the Minister has an official engagement outside the country next week and this may give rise to problems if the Second Stage of No. 1 is not concluded this evening. I suggest the matter should be discussed informally at lunch time and a decision can then be made as to how to handle the matter.
Order of Business.
Can we be assured by the Leader of the House that whatever the commitments of the Minister outside the country may be, Members will be allowed to speak on Second Stage — that Members who wish to speak will be allowed to speak and that there will be no guillotine put on at 4.30 this afternoon?
I assure Senator McGuinness and any other Senators who might be worried, that there is no intention of imposing a guillotine on this Bill on Second Stage or any other Stage. In the event — I am not going to speculate on its likelihood—of it appearing when we resume after lunch that by sitting for an hour or two beyond 5 o'clock we would conclude Second Stage, I think it would then be a matter for the House to consider this and make a decision. Otherwise, the discussion can take place as to whether the debate should proceed next week in the absence of the Minister or whether it should be postponed until the week after to allow the Minister to be present.
May I make a suggestion? If we sat on Tuesday rather than Wednesday next week, and rather than to have to clear the Bill today——
The Leader of the House said we will discuss it again today during lunchtime, which is not just yet.
Order of Business agreed to.