It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 6, Private Members' Business—No. 12 (resumed)—from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
(Cavan-Monaghan): While I do not want to be controversial, I understand that the European Assembly Elections (No. 2) Bill has been ordered for today. I made very careful inquiries last week about the timing of this Bill and was led to believe, on good authority, that it would not be taken this week. This important Bill has been ordered to-day.
There has not been a meeting of our Parliamentary Party since the Bill was published but there is a meeting today. I am not in a position to proceed with the Bill and respectfully ask the House to leave it over until tomorrow morning at the latest while I prepare myself for it, notwithstanding the fact that I understood it was not being taken until next week.
I understand the Whip's office was notified yesterday that this Bill was to be taken today. It was intended to take it this morning but in deference to the Opposition Whip the Bill was postponed, not to be taken first. I want to tell Deputy Fitzpatrick that the Bill is exactly as it was drafted by his Government with the single exception of the change in the Schedule——
Singular?
——as the result of an objective and fair commission.
As far as I am concerned my office was notified the Bill would be taken today but I was not there and did not know about it until this morning. That was why this confusion arose.
My understanding was that the Assistant Whip on the Opposition side was notified last Thursday.
Perhaps the Whips could discuss it.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am asking the House to take the Bill not earlier than tomorrow morning.
The Deputy's Leader suggested that the Whips discuss it further and we should leave it to them for the moment.