I am asking the House to agree that we would adjourn the House sine die on the understanding that the Whips would meet at whatever time is suitable during the day for the main Opposition parties.
Business of Seanad.
In view of the momentous events in the other House, it is appropriate that we adjourn now. I would like the House to meet later today so that we can discuss the extraordinary events which are taking place. All of us would like to express our views on that and on the future of our country. So long as there is agreement that the Whips can meet later this morning and we can reconvene later today, I agree to the Order of Business.
I take the same view. I believe it is important for the House to meet, and to meet on time. We are a separate House after all. Given the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we have obviously a very serious responsibility to try to assist in either the formation of a new Government or in whatever events take place today. From that point of view, I am prepared to accede to the Leader's request. I am, however, very disappointed that a matter which I had on the Adjournment yesterday and again today will not be taken. However, I understand the circumstances.
I do not agree to the Adjournment of the House. It would be outrageous to adjourn. I tabled a motion under Standing Order 29 yesterday about the crisis in Government. If this House is to play any role whatever other than that of an impotent appendage to Government, we must continue to meet. There are matters to be teased out. I was in the Dáil yesterday and I heard the Taoiseach indicate quite clearly that he had misled the Government; that he was in possession of information on Monday and subsequently made a speech which made no reference whatever to that very significant information. It appears that other members of his Cabinet were also in possession of that information which throws a very serious light on the formation of any Government.
On a point of order, is the Senator in order by continuing to debate an issue which——
I will deal with this matter. There is an element of truth in what Senator McGowan was about to say: Senator Norris is making a speech. I ask him to make his point and address a question to the Leader of the House.
My point is made, effectively, by the intervention of Senator McGowan. Yes, I would like to make a speech today on this matter. If we have any respect for this House and its role and importance, we must meet today and tease out the matters involved in the events of yesterday and the day before. How long is this House expected to wait on the sideline?
We know Senator Norris's view.
I am calling on the Leader of the House to meet today and discuss the crisis in Government. If the House today discusses other less significant matters, I will most certainly press my motion under Standing Order 29. It would be idiotic for us to discuss statements on the Year of the Family.
I agree with Senator Norris that we must meet today but we should adjourn——
We are all saying that.
We agreed on that.
We must meet today. However, now is not the time to talk about what is happening because things are happening too quickly and we could not reasonably and sensibly discuss the situation until we know more.
I want clarification from the Leader on the Adjournment.
I understand that, by agreement, there will be no matters on the Adjournment today.
I am talking about at what time the House will adjourn.
I suggest, in response to the request from the Opposition Members, that we suspend the sitting until 3 p.m. today.
The question is: "That the House do now suspend until 3 p.m. today". Is that agreed?
I am happy to agree to that. The Leader initially said that we would adjourn sine die and not until 3 p.m.
He said that it would be discussed by the Whips.
Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 10.50 a.m. until 3 p.m.