It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.
Private Business. - Order of Business.
Did the Leader of the House say No. 8?
Would it be possible at this stage to ask the Leader of the House to postpone item No. 8 in view of the very short notice available to the Labour Party on this? The first intimation I had that the Government even contemplated giving time to it today was when I rang the Leader of the House today before lunch. My impression was that the Housing Bill, which we were told could not be taken last week, was to come on this week and would be taken today. Consequently, we were not ready and I would ask the Leader of the House, in the circumstances, to leave No. 8 for the present.
Senator McQuillan sounds very innocent but I do not think he is as innocent as all that. On the day on which he tabled this motion, he insisted that it was a matter of urgent public importance. Several times since he wanted to know when it would be taken. At the last meeting of the Seanad, I gave an undertaking that, as soon as Senator Sheehy Skeffington's motion was concluded, we would take this. So to talk about not having adequate notice is rather naïve.
The Senator said he would communicate with me on this. I do not want to be unfair to Senator Ó Maoláin but I understood the Housing Bill was being taken today.
There is no question of the Housing Bill being taken today and that was not stated last week. The Senator is as well aware as are other Members of the House that there are difficulties in regard to this motion and the fact that on many occasions there was a clash between the Minister's obligations in the Dáil and his commitments here. It so happens that it is possible to deal with this motion today. If not, he should withdraw it.
Is it not normal practice in this House that there is agreement between the Parties as to what business should be ordered? There was no prior consultation about ordering this motion, and it is usual, when the Senators who put down a motion feel they are not ready to proceed with it, for consideration to be given to that point, and the matter is not dealt with on that occasion.
Surely no one can allege that notice was not given. On the last occasion when the Seanad met, I announced that we would take this motion immediately following the conclusion of Senator Sheehy Skeffington's motion, and that is precisely what we are proposing to do.
It comes as a surprise to me that this is ordered for today. I do not want to be taken as saying that we should not take the motion, when we have been pressing for time for motions.
It is a matter for the House.
If the Senator wishes to withdraw the motion I have no objection.
Surely the motion is in the hands of the people who put it down.
Senator McQuillan and Senator Fitzgerald whose names are to the motion are here today and surely this is an opportune time to take it.
It is a matter for the House.
Is it intended to sit tomorrow to finish this motion?
It is not intended to sit tomorrow.