Would Senator Ryan indicate what is happening now?
Business of Seanad.
It is proposed that we adjourn until 6.30 p.m.
I would certainly disagree with that. My understanding is that we now proceed to Item No. 3. I heard nothing earlier on of an adjournment at 5.30 p.m.
The Senator did not because when we were kind enough one day to say we were adjourning we had from the back benches a lot of talk about a tea break that we should not have. This break is the first the Minister here today has had. He has to come back here again at 6.30 p.m. remain here for an hour and a half on the Private Members Motion and then go on to take the Adjournment Matter. I think that is a lot to ask of one man. It has been the practice when the two Houses are sitting that, if at all possible, we adjourn for tea — not tea, a break.
Is the adjournment agreed?
I propose to continue, with your permission, a Chathaoirligh, on Item No. 3 on which I am in possession. Tears spring unbidden to my eyes at the Minister's sad plight but after all he is in the kitchen.
The Leader of the House has moved a motion to suspend the sitting and it can be moved without notice.
I think it is outrageous that the intention of the Leader of the House was not conveyed to us at 2.30 p.m., at the proper time.
Your agreement is not required.
It is a most incompetent way of conducting business and I challenge that motion.
The sitting is suspended until 6.30.
I do not believe you can suspend the sitting on the motion of the Leader of the House. I presume we are entitled to challenge it.
The question then is: "That the sitting be suspended until 6.30 p.m."
I think the question is carried.
Senators
Votáil.
The question is: "That the sitting be suspended until 6.30 p.m." On that question a division has been challenged. Will those Senators calling for a division please rise in their places.
Senators Murphy, Norris, Ross and J. O'Toole rose.
I declare the question carried. The names of the Senators who stood will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of An Seanad.
Sitting suspended at 5.30 p.m. and resumed at 6.30 p.m.