Yesterday on the Order of Business the Business Committee was asked to consider providing time for Questions on Promised Legislation next week, budget week. That was agreed to by the Business Committee. A request was also made to hold a Friday sitting to consider the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018. A majority of members of the committee were not in favour of that Friday sitting.
Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil
I was not in attendance at the meeting of the Business Committee. However, the original schedule for this week provided time tonight and tomorrow night for discussion of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill. One of those slots has now been removed. The budget will take up a significant amount of time next week. It is imperative that we deal with the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill in a smooth and timely manner. Putting it back in this manner is unacceptable and very frustrating, particularly for women facing crisis pregnancies. Why are we waiting so long to progress the legislation? Why can we not dedicate the time to get the Bill over the line as soon as possible? Every day we wait, another 12 women in this country experience a crisis pregnancy.
It is not for me to make that decision. A request was put to the Business Committee yesterday. A majority of its members were not in favour of a Friday sitting and that ends the matter.
Can it be put to a vote?
I do not see the necessity for that.
Can that question be put to the House rather than the Business Committee?
There is no motion before the House on the matter.
If I bring forward a motion, can it be put to a vote?
There will be another meeting of the Business Committee on Thursday. The Deputy is entitled to raise the matter at that meeting.