It is proposed to order Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and if time is still available before 5.30 p.m., to resume motion No. 4 and to take with motion No. 4 motion No. 5 which has been put down since the debate was opened on motion No. 4. Senators will recall that at the time the House was anxious to debate developments in the EEC, the report on developments in the last six months of 1983 was not available. It has since become available and consequently motion No. 5 has been put down. My suggestion to the House is that both these motions should be debated together. It is proposed to take No. 6 from 6.30 until 8 p.m.
Order of Business.
I presume it is intended to deal with the Second Stages of No. 1 and No. 3 and to finish No. 2 today. I am glad that the Twenty-Third Report is finally before the House. Since we agreed to discuss the 1983 developments, it is as well to let the debate continue. I would like the Leader of the House to give an indication of the Order of Business for tomorrow and, if possible, what business we will be taking between now and the end of this session.
I would like to comment on an apology made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American Government on the flag-burning incident outside Leinster House. It appeared as if Members of the Seanad were not exonerated from blame for this abhorrent incident.
That is completely out of order.
On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Members of this House I would like to say that there is not one Member on this side who does not abhor the burning of the American flag outside Leinster House and, indeed, we would not condone the burning of any national flag in this area in any circumstances. I felt we must say that.
That is completely out of order.
As regards items Nos. 1 and 3, there is not a substantial amount for Committee Stage debate on these Bills. My suggestion would be that we complete the Second Stage today. It might be possible to take Committee Stage tomorrow morning. I do not think there is any necessity to put it off for a week. That would be my proposal at the conclusion of Second Stage. Apart from these short Committee Stages tomorrow, it is proposed tomorrow morning to take items Nos. 7, 8 and 9. These are concerned with the operation of committees of the Houses. As of now the proposal would be to debate item No. 5 for the remainder of the morning, that is the EEC report, and to take up the Funds of Suitors Bill after lunch tomorrow and commence the Second Stage but probably not complete it.
What business will be taken next week and the next few weeks?
I can give the Senator this afternoon a list of the Bills which I anticipate will have to be taken. A number of Bills are obviously urgent. I might mention the Irish Steel Bill, which is a Money Bill and which we will be obliged to pass. A number of other Bills are going through the Dáil today and it will be necessary for us to dispose of them. The big question mark is, of course, over the Criminal Justice Bill. It is not yet clear when Report Stage will be taken in Dáil Éireann, or how long Report Stage will take. I have already had discussions with the Minister in regard to this and I would hope to have further news tomorrow. As soon as I have news, even if the House is not sitting, I will communicate the position.
Order of Business agreed to.