It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 4, 5, 6, 3 and 7 in that order. It is proposed that No. 3 would be taken at 3.30 p.m. We would then revert to Nos. 4, 5 and 6. It is also proposed that we take No. 7 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. as there is one hour remaining for the Private Members' motion in the names of Labour Party Senators. There is a request also from the Government that we should try to facilitate the passing of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency), Bill, 1984, which is currently before the Dáil. They ask for agreement from the House that if it reaches us in time that we would try to facilitate its passing here today. If that happens we would take it after No. 3 has been completed. It is also envisaged that No. 14, the Housing (Homeless Persons), Bill, 1983, which has been on the clár for some time, will be ordered next week.
Order of Business.
We are taking Nos. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 3. We are taking No. 3 at 3.30 p.m. I am not too sure how we could be expected to get to No. 3 at 3.30 p.m. if we are going to take No. 4. Surely if we start No. 4 we will continue through it. What exactly are we going to do? If we take No. 1, which is a First Stage, I presume that will not take very long and we will then go on to No. 4. Are we going to interrupt No. 4 and go on to No. 5? What is the intention regarding No. 4?
It is intended to take Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together as they are all interlinked. It is not envisaged that they would be completed. We are interrupting them to take No. 3 at the specific time of 3.30 p.m. because I have a Minister available to take that item then. As soon as we have completed it we will revert to Nos. 4, 5 and 6. It may not be possible to finish them today, but if not, they will be completed next week. Item No. 7 must be taken at 7 o'clock, which is the time allocated for its completion. The debate on the EC Developments will have to be interrupted in order that item No. 3 may be taken.
The Leader of the House mentioned that Government business may come in. If the Bill goes through the other House today will we sit late tonight to finish the Bill? What is the intention regarding that legislation?
We are totally dependent on the other House and when the Bill is completed and put before us, we will have an opportunity to take it. If it does not arrive in time, we will not sit to take it tonight.
What time?
It is hoped that it will reach us and I am suggesting that if it comes to us in time, we will take it after item No. 3. It would get preference over items Nos. 4, 5 and 6 which are not that urgent and which can be postponed until next week. If the Bill comes from the other House today, it is hoped that the House will agree to take it.
Is it proposed that if the extra business comes from the Dáil it will be given precedence over item No. 7 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.?
No.
But Senator Ferris has indicated the urgency of the Bill and the need to pass it today. What is so urgent about item No. 7 compared with the impression we have been given about the Bill coming from the Dáil?
It has now been decided to give preference to item No. 7. May I ask the Acting Leader of the House when does he intend to take a most important item on the Order Paper — No. 13?
Senator Hillery made a very good point. If the Bill comes from the Dáil today, the Labour Party should give way with regard to their motion because the legislation coming from the Dáil is very urgent.
I appreciate the comments of Senators from the other side of the House. I have to set down an orderly timetable for legislation. As there is one hour remaining for item No. 7, I suggest that we would take it between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Naturally, if legislation comes from the other House, it will take preference over any other business. Because I am unaware of when it might come to us, it is appropriate that we would set down the Order of Business as I have outlined it. I hope to get the agreement of the House that if and when the Bill on the protection of employees comes before us we will take it because of its urgency. This may set back the other business on the clár as agreed. I apologise to Members on the other side of the House for the short notice but I am sure they appreciate the urgency of this legislation arising out of a directive from the Community. Although it has retrospective clauses enshrined in it, because of recent events it is proper that the legislation would be completed as soon as possible to protect the rights of employees who find themselves in this situation.
I presume we are not going to break for tea. If the legislation does come in, is it intended that we sit late tonight to conclude that business or will we sit tomorrow?
It is a hypothetical situation and I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful. From discussions with the Whips and various Members it is preferred that we would sit late to complete our work rather than sit tomorrow because the times cannot be determined. It is a matter for the House at a later stage to recap on how we are doing. It is hoped that when the Bill comes we will take it and finish it, even if it means sitting late tonight.
I was nominated by the former Taoiseach and the present Taoiseach to take particular interest in Northern Ireland affairs. Therefore I hope that there will be considerable interest in the motion I propose to bring forward at 3.30 p.m.
We will take that in due time, Senator.