On the assumption that this debate would have finished this evening and in the knowledge that the Minister for Education would not be available tomorrow, I arranged to take No. 5 on today's Order Paper, that is the motion on manpower policy, tomorrow morning. But now the position is that the debate on this motion is not finished and I do not see any prospect of its finishing, even if we were to sit later, because there are quite a number of speakers yet to come—five or six—and Senator Sheehy Skeffington will require some time to reply. Therefore, I am afraid we can do nothing about it until the next day after tomorrow on which we sit.
Business of Seanad.
I find this disappointing in view of what was stated by Senator Eoin Ryan here last Wednesday, to the effect that if this debate did not finish tonight, it would be dealt with tomorrow morning. I am sorry that other arrangements have to be made and that it should be further deferred.
As I pointed out to the Senator, the Minister for Education was anxious to hear his reply and to do him the courtesy of being here to hear it but he will not be available tomorrow.
Can we have some idea when this would come up then? Would it be on February 2nd?
Could it be taken on Thursday, February 3rd?
No; I am afraid not.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Chair is concerned with the business of the House and the two points to be decided are when this particular debate is to be resumed and, if the House is to sit tomorrow, for what business.
I intend to suggest that the House meet tomorrow morning at 10.30 to deal with item No. 5 on today's Order Paper.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Is it agreed that the House will sit at 10.30 tomorrow morning in order to deal with item No. 5 on today's Order Paper?
Agreed.
I should like to be recorded as dissenting from that.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Does the Leader of the Government Party in the House wish to give any indication of how long the House will sit tomorrow?
We are in the same position in regard to No. 5 as we are with regard to this motion but it would be desirable, if we could possibly, to finish it tomorrow.
I understand that some speakers who would like to contribute to this debate cannot be present tomorrow and, in view of that, this important debate should continue beyond tomorrow.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The proposition has been made that the House sit tomorrow to deal with item No. 5. I had understood there was agreement on this point.
I understand that a number of members of the Labour Party in the Seanad would like to take part in this debate but they will not be available tomorrow.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The wish of the House, apparently, is to sit at 10.30 tomorrow morning for item No. 5 on today's Order Paper.
The Seanad adjourned at 10 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 20th January, 1966.