It is proposed to take Nos. 13 and 14. It is also proposed, not-withstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. today and business shall be interrupted not later than 8.45 p.m. The proceedings on No. 13, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 7.15 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: the statements shall be confined to the Taoiseach, the main spokespersons for the Fianna Fáil Party, the Labour Party, the Progressive Democrats Party and the Democratic Left Party who shall be called upon in that order. The statement of the Taoiseach shall not exceed 40 minutes, the statements of each of the main spokespersons for the Fianna Fáil Party and the Progressive Democrats Party shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case and the statements of the main spokesperson for the Labour Party and the Democratic Left Party shall not exceed ten minutes in each case. Following the statements the Taoiseach shall take questions. The Dáil, on its rising on Thursday, 1 June shall adjourn until Wednesday, 7 June 1995 at 12 noon. Private Members' Business, which shall be No. 26, shall take place today at 7.15 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall adjourn at 8.45 p.m.
Order of Business.
Is the late sitting and Adjournment today agreed? Agreed. Are the arrangements for dealing with item No. 13 agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that the Dáil on its rising next Thursday shall adjourn until Wednesday, 7 June agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with Private Members' Business agreed? Agreed.
Will the Taoiseach consider giving Government time, preferably next week, to debate in the House the successful investment conference that took place last week? That is the best we should do for our colleagues in the embassy in the United States who put tremendous commitment and effort into the conference. All of us who were honoured to attend would like to put our comments on the record and to build on the success of the conference. I congratulate the Tánaiste and all the representatives who attended. It was a tremendous occasion. The President of the United States, the Vice-President, Al Gore, Warren Christopher, Mr. Browne and all the other people involved made a great effort to help this country, particularly the Border region.
It would be a very good idea to have a debate on the conference. The Tánaiste, who led the Irish Government delegation, informed me that it was an outstanding success, politically and economically. It would be very useful to pay tribute to the hosts of the conference, the United States Government, particularly President Clinton, who put so much effort, time and money into making it a success. It is very important that there be active follow up on the contacts and ideas that emanated from the conference. The risk is that the follow-up might not take place unless one applies oneself to it, and the suggested debate, to which the Tánaiste and I are more than happy to agree, will help in that regard. The Whips will arrange the details.