It is proposed to take Nos. 1 to 5 in that Order and to suspend the sitting from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Order of Business.
I should like to thank the Minister for the Environment for the courtesy he showed this side of the House in the efforts he made yesterday to ensure that we would know what No. 1 on the Order of Business was today. It is the first time I have seen such efforts made by Government Ministers to ensure that the Opposition would know exactly what would be on the Order of Business.
He got good advice.
Could the Leader of the House make a special arrangement for the House to discuss No. 14 on the Order Paper, the Tuam sugar factory question, which is a burning issue in the west of Ireland because of the Ballyforan situation in recent days. The Leader of the House should be flexible enough to take this motion because it is a matter of extreme urgency. It is a matter of extreme importance affecting the lives and livelihood of many people in the west of Ireland. I would appreciate it if the Leader of the House would arrange to have it debated any day this week.
I support my colleague, Senator Killilea, in his efforts to have this matter raised. It is very important, and I would be grateful if the House could be given an opportunity to discuss it.
In regard to the question of taking Motion No. 14 or Motion No. 18, I did receive strong representations last week on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party that Motion No. 18 should be taken this week. It may be possible to take that motion on Thursday in spite of the very heavy amount of business we have, or possibly to take it next week but it is up to the Fianna Fáil Party themselves to decide what their urgency is, what is their choice of priority, motion No. 14 or No. 18. But in regard to accommodating either motion, I think, the best that could be done would be to have a debate on Thursday. That certainly could be discussed between the Whips.
I take it that the Whips will discuss it.
I notice Senator Robinson looking beautiful in her short sleeves. I take it that it would not be out of order if any Senator who wanted to take off his jacket during the day did so?
It is not usual.
Order of Business agreed to.