Does Senator Ferris wish to say anything about the Order of Business?
Business of Seanad.
It has been agreed to take all remaining sections of the Bill at 4.30 p.m. or earlier, if we reach that stage.
It seems farcical to agree to take all stages at 4.30 p.m. when we are now only on section 11. Is there any reason why the Seanad should not sit late tonight, on Tuesday or tomorrow? Either the Seanad is seriously going to consider this Bill or it is not. I cannot understand why we could not sit tonight and give serious consideration to each section instead of rushing through the sections up to section 124 if we guillotine this at 4.30 p.m. Is there any reason why the Whips will not agree to take it late tonight or on Tuesday?
Do the Opposition agree to finishing at 4.30 p.m.? If they do I shall close the debate then but I do not want anybody saying afterwards that he was unfairly treated.
My understanding was that Senator Ferris had discussed the matter but I understand now that there is not agreement on this side of the House to finish at 4.30 p.m.
We will review the situation at 4.30 p.m.
It was discussed with the Leader of the House and, apparently, agreement was reached between the Whips——
I had no discussions with my Leader on this matter. The only information I have is what I received from Senator Ferris.
Would the House reconsider the situation at 4.30 p.m.?
Is that agreed?
There seems to be some doubt as to whether we discussed this or reached agreement. It was discussed and we did reach agreement. Senator Smith was the spokesman for the Opposition and he is aware of the agreement. I have no wish to curtail any debate, I am trying to meet the wishes of the majority of Members on all sides of the House. It was suggested that 4.30 p.m. was a reasonable time to finish the debate.
The Senators can settle this matter outside the House before 4.30 p.m.
It is a matter for the Order of Business.
We are not on the Order of Business, I was told there was agreement and I am only trying to help.
In fairness to Senator Lanigan who has now entered the House, perhaps he will confirm that we did reach agreement because I do not want to give the impression that I am using a guillotine to bring the debate to a conclusion.
I appreciate that.
I apologise for being late. Before lunch we agreed we would try to get to Item No. 6 before 4.30 p.m.
Senator Lennon is going to speak on the Bill.