As I indicated earlier, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that statements on the recent floods should commence at 1.30 p.m. and adjourn at 2.30 p.m., resume at 5 p.m. and conclude not later than 7 p.m. Spokespersons may speak for ten minutes and all other Senators for eight. Senators may also share time by agreement of the House. The Minister will be called upon 15 minutes before the close of statements to make concluding comments. It is also intended that the Minister will address the House at the start of statements at 1.30 p.m.
Business of Seanad.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
What is the position on Private Members' time?
This is Private Members' time that has been allocated generously to the House by the Labour Party.
Has the Labour Party conceded its time?
On a point of clarification——
Members, please.
—— because of the present plight of the people of Ireland, the Labour Party has conceded it's Private Members' time for this week. While I have allocated next week's time to the Labour Party, in the event that the flooding has not receded, I will call on it again next Wednesday to allow Members to make the case for their particular localities with the Minister present. As I already have indicated, Members will have an up-to-date situation report every day in this House on the present plight of the people regarding flooding.
That is quite different from what the Leader said previously.
I assume the Government will make time available as necessary.
The position is changing by the hour.
Members, please.