I wonder if the House could give me any indication as to what time we will finish as I have a motion on the Adjournment.
Business of Seanad.
The last I heard was that the House hoped to have finished by lunchtime today. I do not know how many speakers are remaining and I do not know if it is the wish of Members to commence the Committee Stage tonight.
It is the intention and I would suggest that if necessary we should sit until ten o'clock.
But not beyond?
That is not for me to decide.
You are not very helpful to me at any rate.
Could we defer a decision as to the closing of the debate?
The Minister has to come in — this is my problem — to deal with the matter on the Adjournment.
If it were the opinion that we should not sit beyond ten o'clock — and I am not saying that it is — then we could indicate that the Minister would be required at 9.30 p.m. or earlier if the business were concluded. It is unlikely to be concluded any earlier. On the, other hand, if Members wish to adhere to the idea of finishing as early as possible tomorrow and wanted to sit until 11 p.m. or 12 p.m. then the time for the Minister would accordingly have to be changed.
Is it possible to finish the Finance Bill tonight?
In my opinion, no.
That is the way I see it now also. That is why I suggested that we might sit until 10 o'clock.
I suggest that the Adjournment matter commence at 9.30 p.m.
Can I assure the Minister for Justice that if he comes in here at 9.30 p.m. he will get in?
Do not give a guarantee. Do not give him any commitment. Give him a hint.
I am afraid hints are not working. I am working on that all day and I am not making any progress.
Sitting suspended at 6 p.m. and resumed at 7 p.m.