When is it proposed to sit again?
Business of Seanad.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
On Tuesday next.
Will it be at 2.30?
Yes.
Is it proposed by the Government that there should be a vote on Tuesday night because I asked at the beginning of the sitting today if there was to be a guillotine on this debate. There are still quite a number of speakers and whether they will all be fitted in between 2.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday seems to be doubtful so I would like some indication of the position. There was some indication from Senator Dooge that the Minister would not be available on Wednesday. I would like to know what the intention is because I should very much deprecate the idea that a speaker should be refused an opportunity to contribute to this debate because it happens to suit the Minister to be either here or not here.
In a discussion with Senator Dooge he assured me that there will not be a guillotine and that the Minister will be here. The debate may not finish on Tuesday. If it does not, it will go on into Wednesday.
I understand that the Minister will not be here on Wednesday. Can we go on on Wednesday without the Minister being here if the Second Stage still has not been concluded on Tuesday evening?
I did not say the Minister would not be here on Wednesday. I understand he will be here on Tuesday.
The situation is unfortunate, as far as I am concerned. I have no responsibility for the Minister. It was a question for the Leader of the House and as Senator McGuinness said, I felt the Leader of the House should have been asked what the position is. As far as I am concerned the Leader of the House gave an undertaking that there would be no guillotine. Is it agreed that we meet again on Tuesday?
Senators
Agreed.