It is intended to take Items Nos. 1, 2, and 3 today.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business and without casting any aspersions on your good self, might I, on behalf of my own group, send our good wishes for a speedy return to the Cathaoirleach, who is temporarily incapacitated. Also, on the Order of Business, in view of the fact that at the present time, the offices of most Senators are cut off because of a gas leak, and in view of the fact that many people cannot get to their notes and papers, may I ask the Leader of the House to have a certain flexibility today in regard to the Order of Business if this situation persists?
I want to join in sending best wishes to the Cathaoirleach for a speedy recovery. May I advise the Leader of the House that the Labour Party intend to move Item No. 31 in Private Members' Time next week so that the appropriate Minister may be available?
I would like to add my voice to what the other Senators said and to wish the very best to the Cathaoirleach and I hope she will be well. We miss her gentleness and her sternness and her good humour, her help and her support and her good judgment. We hope it is somebody else's gain.
May I ask also — I am not sure whether the question should be addressed to you or to the Leader of the House — at the close of business last week, in summing up the debate on the Estimates, he mentioned the number of speakers from each group. Can he confirm for me that during the six hours and 20 minutes debate last week, Fianna Fáil spoke for three hours and Fine Gael——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
This does not arise on the Order of Business today.
Perhaps I could inquire as to who the statement came from last week. Was it from yourself, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, or was it from the Leader of the House?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The matter does not arise on the Order of Business. The Senator is clearly out of order. I would appreciate it if the Senator would desist.
May I ask the Leader of the House whether it is common for the Leader of the House to prepare statements for the Leas-Chathaoirleach to read to the House at the conclusion of debates?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That is absolutely out of order. Will the Senator resume his seat?
I would like to send the Seanad's congratulations to Athenry who won the county final for the first time ever and also to the under 16's and the under 14's.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That clearly does not arise on the Order of Business.
I want to say if that resolution is passed congratulating Athenry, Cappawhite in Tipperary won it last Sunday too for the first time every and also Glenmore and Kilkenny.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I think we should offer a prayer for all the winners last Sunday. Nevertheless, it does not arise on the Order of Business. I call on the Leader of the House to conclude on the Order of Business.
I am not sure whether I should go to Glenmore first. I am not too sure which county council Senator Daly is trying to stroke. However, serious questions were asked. The gas leak obviously makes dealing with the business today tricky. I am not too sure what sort of flexibility Senator Manning wishes to have but we will be as flexible as we can.
For the Companies (No. 2) Bill which obviously requires a great deal of detailed information. Virtually everybody's information is locked in over there.
We will hold off the resumption of the Companies (No. 2) Bill until such time as people can get at their notes. I am glad Senator Ferris mentioned that Item No. 31 will be taken next week. There is nothing else I have to comment on regarding the Order of Business today.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The gas leak was detected at 1.30 p.m. The officers of the House were in touch with the Gas Board. They were waiting for their emergency service to arrive and they must have arrived by now. The matter is being dealt with. It is under control and there is absolutely no danger.
May I say the gas leak has been there a while?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
It is not possible to have that matter raised after the Leader of the House has concluded the Order of Business. It is my duty now to ask the House if the Order of Business is agreed as proposed by the Leader of the House?
Order of Business agreed to.