It is proposed to suspend the sitting until 6.30. In regard to the item that we have just been dealing with, it is proposed to resume that at the conclusion of the Second Stage of the Irish Steel Bill tomorrow morning.
Business of Seanad.
Is that agreed?
Senators
Agreed.
Perhaps you would give me an opportunity to speak for about half a minute. Unfortunately I was detained and I gather I missed, by about ten minutes, the previous item with regard to the draft Social Welfare Regulations. I know that Professor Dooge very kindly expressed my appreciation of the Minister's action in bringing in these regulations but I should like the opportunity, in about two sentences, to add my personal appreciation of the way in which the Minister for Social Welfare dealt with this matter when I approached him about it and how quickly he managed to deal with it so that the regulations have been able to be brought in before Christmas. I know there were only very few auxiliary ministers of the Church of Ireland affected but nevertheless each individual was very severely affected in that they were in danger of losing their entire social welfare entitlement. I would like to personally express my appreciation of the speedy way in which the Minister dealt with this and the successful way in which this business has been concluded.
Sitting suspended at 5.30 p.m. and resumed at 6.30 p.m.