Before we move on, some members have indicated a time difficulty. Consequently, I seek an indication as to how long members wish to proceed as it does not appear as though we will be able to conclude today.
Business of Select Committee
I am available all night.
I am in the hands of the select committee and of the Minister. While I am happy to continue, Deputy McEntee has indicated a difficulty in this regard.
Yes, I am under pressure.
The select committee is considering some of the most important amendments at present. At what time will Deputy McEntee come under pressure?
At 4.30 p.m.
Is it possible, given there was much rí-rá in the Chamber this morning about next week, to get into it early next Wednesday or Thursday and finish proceedings? Members could give that commitment.
I do not wish to make a political response but contrary to what Deputy Broughan's leader has said, members of the Government are not going on holidays next week. I have two Cabinet meetings to attend next week, which will make it awkward.
It would be good to have Committee Stage completed by the end of next week.
I would like to complete it by this evening. When the Dáil is not scheduled to sit, as was the original intention for next week, Ministers tend to schedule a lot of meetings in their diary because they can move around. That is my difficulty in this regard.
While I have no difficulty in this regard, members have only reached section 8 of the Bill. As the Bill contains 70 sections, at this rate it will take a while.
Although 146 amendments have been tabled, there probably are approximately ten or 15 key amendments. Many of the amendments tabled by the Minister and so on are non-controversial and will strengthen the Bill. Is it possible for the Minister to attend next Wednesday or Thursday? While I would like to conclude Committee Stage proceedings today, I have worked closely on this Bill with my colleague and I presume he also would like to be present. While I am available this evening, perhaps the Minister could suggest a later time next week at which members could conclude their consideration of the Bill.
The difficulty is that Cabinet meetings have been scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday. May I revert to the Chairman in this regard? Will it be possible to continue for a number of hours or has Deputy Connaughton left?
Deputy McEntee has a problem.
Perhaps we can continue until 5 p.m.
If Deputy McEntee has a problem in this regard, he should speak louder. As the Deputy is the spokesperson for his party and if he must leave by 4.30 p.m.——
While I wish to reach a conclusion, ultimately, I do not wish to rush anything either.
I understand the Deputy cannot stay.
Yes, I am under pressure because of something that has been planned for a long time. However, that is not the point as the business of this House is more important.
Can the Deputy stay until 5 p.m.?
Yes.
We will continue until 5 p.m. and then hopefully a couple of hours next week will suffice.
I will check the state of my diary. Given what I have to hand, it does not look great.
Such a meeting could be held at some time next Thursday or Friday. For example, I would have been available tomorrow afternoon but that is impossible for rural colleagues.
Is the Committee of Public Accounts due to meet next Thursday?
Yes, I believe it is.
Must Deputy Broughan attend it?
I will be the first speaker. However, I could change that around, if necessary. This Bill is more important at this stage.
I remind the Chairman that he has an important meeting to attend next Friday of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service.
Can we try for Tuesday if we start early in the morning? It depends on how early the meeting can start because I am otherwise engaged on Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday does not suit me as unfortunately, I had made other plans. What about Thursday?
I will try for Thursday.
Thursday could be a problem for me.
Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will allow one of the committee's two former distinguished Ministers with responsibility for transport or Deputy Kennedy or Deputy Connaughton to take the Chair next Tuesday?
That would not be a problem. We will opt for Tuesday and I will ascertain whether I can change my plans.
I presume the Minister wishes to schedule the meeting for 9.30 a.m., 10 a.m. or a similar time?
Yes, or at 9 a.m. or whatever time is the earliest possible because I must attend a Cabinet meeting in the early afternoon.
Very well.