Today's Order of Business is Items 1, 2 and 11. We will take the Second Stage of the Unfair Dismissals (Amendment) Bill until 1.30 p.m. and I hope by agreement that Second Stage will be concluded by that time. Item 2, the Gas (Amendment) Bill, will be dealt with between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Item 11 will be taken between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. There will be a sos between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. Matters on the Adjournment will be taken at the conclusion of business.
Order of Business.
A Chathaoirligh, I ask you to look again at the amendment to the Private Members' motion tonight. It is a motion about European funding and the amendment effectively changes it completely. I ask the Government side to change the amendment to include the European funding aspect.
I was disappointed yesterday on Second Stage of the Social Welfare Bill that certain information was made available to one side of the House only. The information related to allocations to voluntary organisations. It is understandable that Members of Government parties will receive information from Ministers but I was disappointed that the information was debated without being made available to this side of the House. We were denied the opportunity to challenge or support it.
It is not appropriate to the Order of Business but you have made your point, Senator Cregan.
I raised a point yesterday but the Leader did not refer to it today. My point relates to definite information on the establishment of a foreign affairs committee. The newspapers have been saying it will be established this week; presumably the Leader will have some information for us. We are all very anxious to receive substantial information on this point.
I am not sure what role I would have with regard to the Senator's request about the amendment but I will make his feelings known to the Department. I am sure he has already done so.
I would like that looked at.
With regard to the foreign affairs committee, like Senator Norris I am keen that that announcement be made as soon as possible. I am assured it will be made this week.
Order of Business agreed to.