It is proposed to take Items Nos. 1, 2 and 3.
Order of Business.
I should like to ask the Leader of the House on foot of the very encouraging rumours — I know he does not like commenting on rumours but he may have had a part in some of these — that a large body of legislation is on its way to this House over the coming weeks if, for the convenience of Members, he could give some indication of the legislation we can expect in this House over the coming weeks. In particular could he give some indication, again pursuant to a promise he made on two occasions in the past, about Item No. 21 on the Order Paper, the Fourth Report of the Joint Committee on Women's Rights? When can we expect this report to be debated?
In view of the comments by the Leader of the House yesterday that a great deal of legislation is coming to this House which will necessitate summer sittings, would he consider that the Seanad should sit longer hours on Wednesday nights than is normal to facilitate him and the Government who want to get some legislation through? I am sure Members who are in Leinster House on Wednesdays and Thursdays would be prepared to sit later. They have done it in the past. Would he consider that?
With regard to the business for the next few weeks it can be taken for granted that time next week will be taken up by the Finance Bill. The Adoption (No. 2) Bill is ordered for next Thursday but I expect the Second Stage of the Finance Bill will take more time than Wednesday and that we will take it again on Thursday. The Adoption (No. 2) Bill will be here within the next fortnight. The amalgamation of training services Bill, the Urban Renewal (Amendment) Bill, and the Safety, Health and Welfare (Offshore Installations), Bill will be coming so I can guarantee we will not be short of business. Senators can take it that the main business for the next fortnight will be the Finance Bill and the Adoption (No. 2) Bill. It is unlikely that the Adoption (No. 2) Bill will be taken until the following week.
As regards late sittings, obviously I am not making any decision on late sittings today. I take the point and we will facilitate the House. If it is necessary we can sit as long as we need to sit on both Wednesdays and Thursdays. If it is necessary we can sit on Tuesdays as the business starts coming in. Because of the situation regarding legislation I cannot give a definite date for the taking of Motion No. 21 but I can guarantee that we will take it at the earliest date possible. Generally speaking, time will be taken up with legislation. Apart from the two orders I do not think we will be dealing with any other business except legislation over the next three or four weeks.
Is it intended to have a break today?
We will break at 12.30 p.m.
In view of what the Leader of the House has just said I ask him to give adequate consideration to the extra hours he is considering sitting. There should be consultation with all Members of the House before a decision is made. I am in favour of extra day sittings rather than late night sittings. Quite a number of Senators would be opposed to late night sittings.
I am not supposed to comment. I am not disagreeing with my colleague from South Tipperary but people who are here all the time get tired. In my opinion extra days would be better.
Consultation will take place between the Whips as to the days and hours of sitting.
Order of Business agreed to.