On today's Order of Business it is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Item No. 1 shall be taken until 4 p.m. The statement of each Member called on to contribute shall not exceed 30 minutes for spokespersons and 15 minutes in the case of all other Senators. The Minister shall be called on not later than 3.50 p.m. to make a statement in reply not exceeding ten minutes. The proceedings on Third, Fourth and Fifth Stages of Item No. 2, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 9 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Justice. Business shall be interrupted from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the matters on the Adjournment will be taken at the conclusion of business. This has been agreed by the Whips and adequate time has been allowed to debate the remaining stages of the Criminal Justice Bill.
Order of Business.
Thank you, a Chathaoirligh. The Order of Business is more than agreeable to us but I wish to serve notice that the substance of Item 10 on the Order of Business, which was raised by my colleague Senator O'Toole yesterday, will be placed next week before the House so that it can be debated unless there is a clear indication that there will be an improvement in the conditions under which we work.
I discussed the matter with Senator O'Toole and I hope it will not be necessary to raise it next week.
I hope so, too. Thank you, a Chathaoirligh.
I understand from the Seanad Office that for the first time in eight years we will have the opportunity to make statements and have an extensive debate on Northern Ireland. I thank the Tánaiste for agreeing to our request to come to the House and outline his views and those of the Government. By agreement, Senator Wilson will be the second spokesperson on the Government side.