I remind members that mobile phones must be switched off as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment and, if so, the proceedings will not be broadcast on "Oireachtas Report", although they may not be carried anyway.
The meeting has been convened for the purpose of consideration of the Local Government Bill 2013. As the meeting could be lengthy, I propose the following schedule: there will be a lunch break from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.; there will be a further break at 6.30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and we will then continue until 9 p.m., if necessary. If Committee Stage has not been completed by that time, we will adjourn and reconvene on Thursday, 5 December.