I move: "that in the debate on Item No. 22, Motion No. 50, the following arrangements shall apply: (1) the speeches of the main spokespersons for the parties to the motion and the Minister for Health shall not exceed 40 minutes in each case; (2) that a speaker from the Labour Party and the Fine Gael Party shall be called on at 9.30 p.m. and 9.45 p.m. respectively tomorrow night to conclude the debate; (3) other speakers shall be called from alternate sides of the House and shall not exceed 30 minutes and (4) speakers may not share time". Let me add in relation to the last item that it has also been agreed that this will be discussed by the Whips tomorrow.
Financial Resolutions, 1990. - Allocation of Time: Motion.
May I ask a few questions about this proposal? First, in relation to No. 2, which states that a speaker from the Labour Party and the Fine Gael Party shall be called on to conclude the debate, may I point out that there were four signatories to the motion of no confidence — the leaders of the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party, the DSP, Deputy Kemmy, and I? I feel that all four parties should be accorded a slot and I ask the Government Chief Whip to indicate why it has been decided to only have two.
It was decided by the Whips at a meeting last Thursday.
Would the Chief Whip in reconsidering point No. 4 which states that speakers may not share time also reconsider the point on the concluding speakers again?
I will.
I am rather perturbed by the new arrangements, particularly the one on the sharing of time. I want to put the House on notice that I wish to speak on this subject, preferably tomorrow evening, and I ask the Chief Whip, or whoever is supposed to answer this question, to tell me how I am going to be accommodated.
Deputy Garland appreciates that in respect of the membership of 166 Members in this House he enjoys or suffers the position of the Lone Star Ranger and ab initio we cannot adjudicate on accommodating him on anything. On the other hand I think Deputy Garland will accept that in debates to date the House has not been unconscious of his solitary position and, where possible, he has been accommodated. He will have to rely more on the tradition rather than on any specific promise.
I accept that what happened in the past was quite satisfactory, but it does not appear that this is likely to continue. That is why I am concerned about it.
In response to Deputy Garland let me say that when this question of sharing time is reviewed tomorrow it may in fact work out to his benefit.
I also understand that it has been agreed that Deputy Howlin will move the motion.
Let me also add, lest there be any confusion, that the second speaker will be Deputy Yates, with the Minister being the third speaker.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Question put and agreed to.