In the light of the continuing voting in the Dáil, I propose that we suspend the sitting until the end of the voting in the Dáil, if that is agreeable to the House. I apologise to Members and staff.
Business of Seanad
Does the Leader have any indication of how long the suspension will be?
I do not. I believe it is important that we discuss this issue at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. This is a rolling occurrence on a Thursday and unfair to Members and staff. It also puts us in a bad light and interferes with our work.
Absolutely.
Shall we say 2 p.m?
No, do not put a time on it. We will resume at the conclusion of voting in the Dáil. Is that agreed?
In scheduling our business we could schedule at this time on a Thursday some business that does not require the attendance of a Minister or a Minister of State.
Can I also suggest 2 p.m.? We need to get to our offices and back.
We would be hanging around like geese outside the door.
We will resume at the end of voting in the Dáil. There is other business to follow afterwards.
How can we-----
I am sure the Senator will manage. Is it agreed that the sitting should be suspended?
To be fair to Senator Victor Boyhan, the point he raises is a good one, but we could come back at 2 p.m. and have to suspend the sitting again, as has happened before. I hope we can put this issue on the agenda of the Committee of Procedure and Privileges for discussion.
We should. Is it agreed to suspend the sitting until the end of voting in the Dáil? Agreed.
Sitting suspended at 1.35 p.m. and resumed at 1.50 p.m.