It is proposed to take Nos. 1 to 5 in that order. In regard to the question of suspending the sitting during the day, we should be flexible on that, but the presumption would be that if we make reasonable progress we will suspend the sitting from 12.30 to 1.30 and from 5.30 to 6.30.
Order of Business.
Can anyone tell us why item No. 3 on yesterday's Order Paper was taken after 8 o'clock yesterday evening, even though the Leader of the House stated on the Order of Business that if we were close to finishing an item at 8 p.m. that was all that would be taken? Some of us were left quite unaware that item No. 3 was to be taken. It was taken at 8.10 p.m.
I am sorry if there was any misunderstanding in regard to yesterday's business. Senators will appreciate that there was a very long debate on item Nos. 1 and 2. Indeed, it would have been my wish that the whole time up to 9 p.m. would have been occupied. What was done after discussion, was to agree that item No. 3 would be taken since this could be concluded before 9 o'clock and since the same Minister was involved. I apologise to Senator Ellis and to any other Senator who may have been discommoded. It was quite inadvertent and I certainly was not aware that anyone did not know the situation.
Could the Leader of the House tell us at what time it was decided to change the sitting time from 8 until 9.00?
On the Order of Business yesterday morning I asked for flexibility in regard to the question of sitting from 8 to 9. I stressed what I thought was the most important thing — that we would not go beyond 9 with ordinary business in any case.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Just one further comment, because I cannot allow this to go on.
It was agreed that if there was an item — this is on yesterday's Order of Business — which was in progress coming to 8 o'clock it would be allowed to finish. There was no mention that any extra item along with that would be taken immediately after it. It was agreed that Senator Killilea's motion on the Adjournment would then be taken. There was no mention of 9 on yesterday's Order of Business.
I have apologised to Senator Ellis if he was in any way discommoded but I must ask Senators, particularly at a time when they are pressing the Leader of the House that this House should adjourn as early as possible, to keep in touch with me or with their own Whips in this regard. Above all, I would ask any Senator interested in any business ordered today to sit in this House until the business comes up.
Order of Business agreed to.