It is proposed to take all Stages of item No. 3, the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 1990. There will be a sos from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Hopefully, we will commence debate on Second Stage of the Sugar Bill, 1990, to conclude today. We hope to start discussion on that at 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, could I ask the Leader of the House what his plans are for the taking of Committee Stage of item No. 5, the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990?
Could I ask the Leader of the House to clarify the position in relation to the Sugar Bill? He said it is going to conclude Second Stage today. Is the House going to rise at 4 p.m.? Is there going to be a guillotine if there are still speakers offering? We are talking about a two hour debate. Could we have an indication of how long this debate will be allowed to go on, if there will be restrictions on speakers and, indeed, if all the speakers who are offering will be allowed to have their say on Second Stage today?
In reply to the query raised by Senator Manning, I have to say that the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990, has upset our plans somewhat. As I have probably indicated in the past, we had hoped to take Committee Stage of that Bill before Easter. What has happened, as of ten minutes ago, is that we have had 125 amendments from the Independents and the Labour Party. The Government side have not yet put in their amendments. Neither have the Fine Gael Party. In fact, what is happening is that with so many amendments obviously the Minister wants a little time to examine them. He wants time to think, to analyse and to group them, if that is what is required. We can now say that it will be after Easter before we have the Committee Stage of that Bill. I pressed very strongly for that Bill to come to the House. I am very pleased that it is of such great interest to Senators.
On the query raised by Senator Upton, I said we hope to commence debate on the Sugar Bill at 2 p.m. and to conclude Second Stage today. That could be 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. tonight.
Will there be a guillotine?
No.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
On a point of clarification, the debate on item No. 3 finishes before 1 p.m.?
Item No. 3 to 1 p.m.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Will debate on item No. 4 start if item No. 3 finishes prior to 1 p.m.?
No. It will not start until 2 p.m.
Order of Business agreed to.