It is proposed to take today Nos. 1 and 2. The suggestion is that we discuss No. 1 until 5.30 p.m., take a break from 5.30 to 6.30 p.m., and then from 6.30 p.m. until approximately 8.10 or 8.15 p.m., to take item No. 2 and sit at 10.30 tomorrow morning to continue item No. 1.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, I would like to refer to a debate held in the Seanad on 22 June last on the issue of legal education and legal services. You will recall that a motion was tabled by the Labour Party and a full debate on the need for an assessment and evaluation of legal education and legal services took place. In his contribution on that occasion the Minister for Justice said in this House, and I quote from the Official Report of the Seanad of 22 June 1983, column 210, Volume 101:
I would like to say that I am very glad to have had the opportunity to listen to the views expressed by the Senators. I will communicate those views to the Government and I hope that in the normal ordering of business in this Seanad, subsequently in some months' time there will be an opportunity to look at the situation again.
I would like to ask the Leader of the House if he could ascertain from the Minister for Justice what the position is in regard to the issues raised in that motion. The Minister made it clear in the rest of his speech that he would raise the matter with the Government and then take an opportunity to come back to this House to report back — I think that was his intention — and perhaps have some further discussion on the whole area of legal education and legal services and whether we can establish an independent review and revaluation of those services.
I assure Senator Robinson that I will get in touch with the Minister on this point and convey his reply to her.
Order of Business agreed to.