I propose an amendment to No. 5 on the Order of Business. Spokespersons will have ten minutes, all other Senators will have seven minutes and Senators may share time.
Business of Seanad.
Ten minutes is insufficient for spokespersons on such a critical issue.
I too am getting only ten minutes.
The Minister has had opportunities elsewhere and this is really not acceptable.
During the week, I informed the Seanad Office I had another meeting about the matter at 6 p.m.
One of the Ministers of State could come here in the Minister's place.
I put back the other meeting to get this hour to be here. I wanted to come to the Seanad.
I appreciate it is a matter outside the control of the Minister.
The Leader of the House has made a proposal and the House must decide on it.
Could we not make it 15 minutes for the spokespersons?
I propose 12 minutes for spokespersons if that is agreeable to the House.
Is that agreed?
Not really, but I suppose we have no choice.