It is proposed to take No. 1. In case No. 1 is concluded before 5 p.m. today we shall also order No. 2 with which Nos. 3 and 4 will be debated. I would like to repeat what I said yesterday. I believe the discussion of the reports of joint committees should be an important part of our business. We have set up this new system of joint committees on a number of topics. They are being successful for the most part. I think a thorough discussion in both Houses of the Oireachtas is an integral part of this new departure so that the public will be fully aware of what is being done in these committees. I think that this business should occupy us for the day.
Order of Business.
I am extremely disappointed that in the light of the virtual failure of the House to discuss item No. 10 yesterday and in the light of our dreadful mistake of allowing the Minister of State to speak when he obviously had nothing to say, we cannot, apparently even after 12 months, order a relatively non-contentious piece of Private Members' legislation. I am disappointed that the Leader of the House cannot give us any indication as to when item No. 10 will be taken again. I gather that the business of the House is ordered effectively from now until Christmas. Therefore, I have no option but to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, which would be that item No. 10 be taken first this morning.
I support Senator Ryan on this subject. It is now over a year since we began to discuss this Bill, and I felt that there was hope when it returned to the Order Paper yesterday for discussion that we might be able to complete it. It now appears that it has again been put on the long finger indefinitely, and I would like to second his proposal that the Order of Business be amended so as to take it first today.
I add my voice to those of Senators Ryan and McGuinness as one of the sponsors of the Bill. It is most important that time should not be lost in coming to grips with what we have been trying to achieve in this Bill. I hope the House will be able to deal with it as a matter of urgency as soon as possible.
As I made clear yesterday when this item was ordered, there are a number of us who are very anxious to participate in the debate on it. Obviously it is a very important issue. I also think that the matter for this morning which has been ordered is a very important issue which the Seanad should have an opportunity to discuss. I would like to support an early resumption of the debate on the Housing (Homeless Persons) Bill. I hope that can be facilitated.
Just in case that by our silence it might be inferred we are not anxious to debate this measure, of course we are. It is a problem for this side of the House as well as the other side of the House to take business in as orderly a fashion as possible and to try to make Ministers available to take it. I want to assure Senator Ryan that I am most interested in this legislation. I am most interested and supportive of the principles involved in it. I have reservations about it and I want to have the opportunity to express those reservations. But I do not want him to take it that because it has not been ordered today there is any less desire on my part to participate. I would ask that he would accept this, and that possibly next week when we have the Order of Business before us we will be able to facilitate him.
I have indicated to Senators that I am endeavouring to order the business by taking legislation on a Wednesday and leaving Thursday, free for debates such as No. 1 here today. I have the intention of ordering the Housing (Homeless Persons) Bill next Wednesday and every Wednesday until the end of term. The question then arises as to how much time this will give us. We have at the moment on our Order Paper the Registration of Potato Growers and Potato Packers Bill. Dáil Éireann sat especially late last night in order to complete this Bill so that it could come to us this week and be taken next week. I imagine the order I will be proposing next Wednesday is to take this Bill which is No. 5 on our Order Paper, followed by No. 10. If there is a wish in the House that there should be three hours of debate on the Housing (Homeless Persons) Bill and if this cannot be arranged on Wednesday because of pressure of Government business I would certainly consider ordering it on the second sitting day of one of the weeks between now and when we adjourn.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
Is the amendment to the Order of Business withdrawn?
Yes.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Order of Business agreed to.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I wonder would the Leader of the House indicate if there will be a break for lunch.
Yes. We shall break from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.