I move:
Bill entitled an Act to provide for powers of attorney to operate when the donor of the power is or is becoming mentally incapable and to amend in other respects the law relating to powers of attorney generally.
Powers of Attorney Bill, 1995: Order for Second Stage.
On a point of order, I know it was agreed to take this legislation this afternoon. However, had I known at that stage the content and depth of this Bill, I would have not agreed to this.
Can I explain what is happening today?
The Order of Business the Leader circulated last week — I did not get an Order of Business for today — said we were to deal only with any outstanding business. It was not suggested, even until I entered the anteroom this morning, that we would be initiating a new Bill.
I am sure the Leader can clarify the matter.
An Order of Business for this week was circulated last week and it was for today only. All other Members received it. A previous Order of Business mentioned "all outstanding business". The Order of Business indicating the business for today was sent to all Whips last Thursday, including Senator McGennis's Whip. It provided for the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, taking Committee and Final Stages of the Consumer Credit Bill, 1994, and one hour of Second Stage debate on the Powers of Attorney Bill, 1995. It would not finish Second Stage today but would be introduced. That was clearly communicated to the Senator's party and to all Members, otherwise today's Order Paper could not have been prepared. How else could Senators have been told that the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach was taking place today? Of course that was indicated.
A note was sent out from my office to all Members of the House and to the Whips clearly indicating today's Order of Business. The only additional items to the Order of Business were the motion on the draft regulations pursuant to the Health Insurance Act, 1994, at the request of the Senator's party, and the motion on HIV/AIDS, at the request of Senator Norris.
There is no question of this Bill going through the House today. It is being commenced today and the Minister and some Members will speak. There is a one hour limit on the Bill so there is no question of its being rushed through. During the summer Members can reflect on it and put down amendments. There is no question of this Bill concluding today and the Senator's Whips agreed to this last week.
Today's Order of Business was agreed to earlier today.
Question put and agreed to.
When is it proposed to take Second Stage?
Now.