Is agreed that we go straight on to deal with Item No. 5?
Business of Seanad.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Is there going to be a break for 30 minutes?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I call on the Acting Leader of the House.
Since I created a fuss at 10.30 a.m. I do not mind if the Minister wishes to go ahead.
I have been in the House since 1.10 p.m. and had a very hurried lunch and although I do not want to put any physical curtailment on the debate by my inability to keep up with such robust persons as Senator Ryan, it might be wiser to adjourn for, say, 45 minutes to have some food and then to come back again. This legislation is non-political and is of extreme interest and importance to all of us. Once we start on it, it may drag on for an hour or two.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I call on the Acting Leader of the House, Senator Willie Ryan.
I propose that we adjourn until 6.45 p.m.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I am grateful to the Minister for agreeing to deal with this matter today. I have no intention of calling any divisions. Therefore, if any Members of the Government party wish to go home I will not be responsible for keeping them here.
That is a dangerous thing to say, you may upset the Fianna Fáil Whip.
I have upset him enough today.
Sitting suspended at 6 p.m. and resumed at 6.45 p.m.