It is proposed to take item No. 1. I suggest that we take the Bill until 4 p.m. and have a sos between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. However, if the House agrees we might review that at 1 p.m. and if it appears the Bill will conclude between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., we will finish it. Otherwise, we will take a sos between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and conclude Second Stage at 4 p.m.
Order of Business.
I have no difficulty with that arrangment. I would be flexible on that. In view of the current state of reform of the Seanad would the Leader not think, on a day like this, of going back to the old Roman Senate and having an outdoor session?
I second that.
I am in favour of the Leader's suggestion that we make decisions as we go along. Would the Leader be prepared to make time available, as a matter of urgency, for a debate on agriculture and food, particularly in the context of the American threat to impose tariffs on some of our major exports and the inability or refusal of the American Ambassador to see the Minister for Agriculture and Food to talk about these matters? I find that very disturbing.
I seek the guidance of the Chair on a particular matter. Yesterday I attempted to raise a matter on the Adjournment in relation to the termination of a Teamwork scheme at the Irish Wheelchair Association which is causing widespread hardship for the disabled. If the Chair would bear with me——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Senator can talk to me about that matter when we have concluded the Order of Business.
It was refused due to lack of ministerial responsibility. My information is that it is very much ministerial responsibility——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
This is not appropriate for the Order of Business. The Senator can discuss the matter with me later.
It is outrageous for a Minister to say he has no function in relation to the Teamwork scheme. I look forward to discussing it with the Chair.
I could not agree more with Senator Haughey about the Teamwork scheme. I believe there is no lack of ministerial responsibility. I will not dwell on it but ——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
It is not a matter for the Order of Business.
——it is not appropriate for the Minister to disclaim responsibility.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Has the Senator a question for the Leader of the House?
I agree with Senator Manning that we should be outdoors today but we have our own tradition, the hedge school, and perhaps that would be more appropriate.
I was delighted when the Leader indicated that we were taking only Second Stage. I am glad the undesirable practice of taking more than one Stage each day has been done away with. In relation to my suggestion yesterday that Commissioner Delors was part of the Government team in relation to Maastricht, it seems to be suggested by other commentators that he is——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
That is not relevant to the Order of Business. I ask the Senator to put a question to the Leader of the House.
Is he paid a retainer by the Government until the Taoiseach returns from Rio de Janeiro or on a permanent basis?
I agree with Senators that every opportunity should be taken to be outdoors as much as possible these days. I am not too clear about what the Leader said with regard to the times today. Does he intend that the debate would conclude, even if more Senators are offering, at 4 p.m.? If it appears at 1 p.m. that we would conclude by 4 p.m., is it intended to sit through lunch time? If so, it is grossly unfair not only to Senators but to staff. We have had a particularly heavy workload this week with a greater number of sitting days. At 1 o'clock does the Leader intend to list the Senators offering? If we are to finish at 4 p.m. will we be sitting through lunch hour?
Will the Leader consider making time available the week after next for a report on the proceedings in Rio de Janeiro?
Item No. 7 on the Order Paper — Statements on the Common Agricultural Policy — will be ordered for the week commencing 22 June. I agree with the Senator that the matter is of great concern. Senator Cosgrave's suggestion of a report on the proceedings in Rio de Janeiro would be an ideal item to take under the heading of topical debates.
In the Dáil yesterday the Minister sought legislation to deal with large gatherings. We may have to wait for that legislation before the Seanad can meet outdoors.
Letting us loose on the lawn might be a security risk.
The Leader did not clarify the hours of sitting.
Order of Business agreed to.