Today's Order of Business is Item 1, the Adoptive Leave Bill, Second Stage, from now until approximately 1 p.m. There will be 20 minutes for the spokespersons and 15 minutes for other speakers. Item 2, the Presidential Elections Bill, Second Stage, will be taken from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. There will be a sos from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
We agree with the Order of Business. May I again ask the Leader of the House if he could tell us when we will have a debate on Northern Ireland? The Tánaiste does not have to be present for the debate; we could hold it in his absence. The sooner we could have a debate on it, the better. Obviously, we would hope that the Tánaiste could be here and we would like him to conclude the debate. I realise he has a busy schedule — he may be out of the country next week — but if the debate could be started soon, we would appreciate it.
In relation to what Senator Manning said, I spoke to the Tánaiste last night and the Leader will tell the House about the arrangements. I accept the point made by Senator Manning. The Tánaiste does not have to be present, but he is anxious to be here when the Seanad debates the issue. We should take him at his word and wait until he is available.
I thank Senators Magner and O'Sullivan for their efforts in keeping the House informed of the possibility of a debate on Northern Ireland. I understand that the Tánaiste is meeting with President Clinton next week and he is extremely keen to come to the House. I ask the House to wait for an extra week and the Tánaiste will keep us up to date on the situation.
Order of Business agreed to.