In view of the length of time remaining until the normal Adjournment time I propose that the House adjourn now and not start new business. To start new business now would be unfair on the Members of the House who we will be expected to be in attendance for long hours tomorrow and also to the staff of the House who will be subjected to long sitting hours. In view of this I propose that the House adjourn now and that it sit at 10 a.m. tomorrow to take the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution Bill. I have been endeavouring to reach agreement with the various Members so that we can get a consensus: in view of the large number of representations that have been made to me I propose that the House sit tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 12 midnight, that there be a break for lunch between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and that there be no tea break. There are intimations that a large number of Members would like to speak and in order not to curtail anybody, I propose those sitting arrangements for tomorrow and the same sitting hours again for Friday. I hope that the facilities of the House will be available to the Members and to the staff who will be expected to service the House over an extended period.
Business of Seanad.
May I suggest that the House sit from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a lunch break? I am particularly thinking of the staff of the House, a number of whom have intimated to me that they go home by bus. If the House sits until 12 midnight they will be incommoded.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Are they not entitled to taxis after 11 p.m.?
Yes.
If the staff are entitled to taxis, then that is fair enough. Are we entitled to taxis after 11 p.m.?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Could we get agreement now on this?
I propose that the House sit from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. I have considered sitting from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. I have talked to a number of Members and in view of the amount of business that needs to be done I think the extended hours programme is the only way to meet all wishes. I am trying to facilitate everybody.
The Seanad adjourned at 7.10 p.m. until 10 a.m., on Thursday, 22 May 1986.