It is proposed that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, Members shall be called on in Private Members' Time this evening as follows: 7 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. — Opposition spokesperson; 7.15 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. — Government spokesperson; 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Opposition spokesperson; 8 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. — Government spokesperson; and 8.15 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. — Opposition spokesperson.
Private Members' Business. - Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Bill, 1987: Allocation of Time.
On a point of order, I would like to seek clarification whether the Opposition spokespersons will include a representative of the Progressive Democrats. We have only had one speaker in this debate and 15 minutes of debate time.
I cannot give you a ruling on that at the moment. We will have to wait until it arises.
I am sorry to be uncooperative here, but we were not consulted about this arrangement which was obviously made between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. I am disappointed that the Government Chief Whip did not see fit to consult us. I would have to object to the arrangement unless Deputy Shatter can guarantee that we will get one speaker in for just 15 minutes.
The arrangement entered into was to facilitate more Deputies to allow them to contribute. To date, each speaker has been allowed half an hour to contribute to the debate, and I was conscious last evening that there were a number of people offering to speak who certainly would not have got in this evening if it was not agreed that each speaker this evening would speak for only 15 minutes. To date Fine Gael has only had three speakers and the Government party have had five speakers. I would anticipate this evening that both my own party and other Opposition parties in the House should get in. But Deputy Harney should be reminded that she had half an hour herself on her contribution. I anticipate the Progressive Democrats certainly will get in this evening. However it is not for me to rule on that but for the Chair. This arrangement is introduced not to curtail or prevent people from speaking but to facilitate additional Members getting in who would not otherwise have got in.
Whilst I might have had a half an hour at my disposal, I did not avail of the half hour in order to allow as many Deputies as possible to speak in this debate; I simply took 15 minutes. We have had co-operation in this House; we have an all-party consensus on this matter and I would like to think we could continue on that basis. Whilst Fine Gael might have had only two speakers, one speaker spoke for 40 minutes and the other for half an hour, and Deputy Flanagan is now in possession. I would ask that the members of the Government party and the Fine Gael party would allow Deputy Anne Colley to speak for 15 minutes this evening.
Acting Chairman
I have no say in the arrangements.
There is half an hour for the Opposition from 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. We could divide that between Fine Gael and the Progressive Democrats.
That is fine, thank you very much.