It is proposed to takes Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in that order. It has already been agreed that we will take No. 5 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., or earlier if the other business is completed before that. The agreement reached on that motion allows for ten minutes from each group representative and that can be one or two speakers, depending on what the group decides. Members will speak first and the Minister will reply to the debate. Agreement has been reached about the taking of the Status of Children Bill and I should like to thank Members from all sides for agreeing to the process for initiating the Second Stage debate on that Bill. It is agreed also that we will have one speaker from each group and that the Minister will introduce the Bill. It is suggested that Report Stage of No. 1 should be taken and, if Members so wish, we can allow some time to elapse between Committee Stage and Report Stage. If Members want that to happen we will take Report Stage of No. 2 immediately after Committee Stage of No. 1. The question of breaking for lunch or tea has been left open until we see how business progresses but if we complete a Bill in or about an appropriate time for a break we will have one.
Order of Business.
Instead of leaving the matter of breaks open should we not decide not to break for lunch or tea?
In the event of the business ordered not being completed by 5 p.m. what will the procedure be?
This might be an appropriate morning to raise another matter again on the Order of Business. Senator Ferris has anticipated the point I want to make. Arising from the acceptance by the House of the report of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in relation to the roof of the Chamber on 27 May last, I understood that there was a firm commitment that progress would be made during the summer months. Have you, a Chathaoirleach, made arrangements to ensure that there will be satisfactory progress between now and our return?
Yes, and I am meeting representatives of the Office of Public Works today to discuss what will be done during the summer. I am hoping that work will continue simultaneously in the Chamber and in the anteroom.
Will the Chair ensure that he or somebody on his behalf, will monitor progress during the Recess?
Yes, I am quite satisfied about that.
In reply to Senator Lanigan, I should like to state that I agree that we should have no lunch break, if that is what is required. We will work through lunch, and tea if necessary. I should like to tell Senator O'Toole that agreement has been reached to complete Nos. 1 to 5. If we complete them by 5 p.m. well and good, but if not we will sit on to complete them. When I say complete, I mean in the format that has been agreed. With regard to the Status of Children Bill there will be one speaker from each side and the Minister will introduce it. The Second Stage debate on that Bill will be adjourned. Item No. 5 will be completed within an hour as has been agreed. All these items will have to be completed before the House rises for the Adjournment.