The meeting has been convened for the purpose of continuing consideration of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003. As agreed yesterday, we will consider the Bill until, provisionally, 9.30 p.m. today, with a break from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and a further break from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. If we make progress, it may be possible to complete Committee Stage tonight.
Business of Select Committee.
What is the position with regard to party meetings?
Those of us involved in this committee will be unavailable for other meetings.
The schedule outlined by the Chairman is very stressful, in terms of duration.
It is.
Deputy McGuinness will have to carry the can.
He has gone elsewhere. I hope members of the committee have booked overnight accommodation.
Are the arrangements which I outlined for today's proceedings agreed? Agreed.
The ball is in the Chairm an's court to drive matters forward.
It is up to members of the committee. I propose to leave our completion time open at this stage. We can review the position in the light of progress during the day.
This is the least contentious Bill that has ever come before this committee. I do not know the reason for all the fuss about it. I appeal to the Opposition not to adopt such a niggling approach to this very practical legislation. Much of the interest in freedom of information is simply a matter of curiosity.
Is Deputy O'Keeffe launching a challenge?
We will adhere to the business in hand.