It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2 and 3. In respect of No. 1, I am proposing, in agreement with the other groups, that there be one speaker from each group. In regard to No. 2, it is proposed, by agreement, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on the Finance Bill, 1990, and on the motion of concurrence with the early signature of the Bill by the President, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 5.15 p.m. One question shall then be put from the Chair which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only recommendations from the Government.
Order of Business.
We agree to the Order of Business. I should like to send our congratulations to NCB Ireland for having completed the round the world yacht race. A great number of people have knocked this project but it is a matter of great pride that they have finished so well up the field.
Senators
Hear, hear.
Mr. Farrell
I should like to be associated with the vote of congratulations to NCB Ireland. The standby tanks fitted were made in my little village of Grange, County Silgo, by SF Engineering.
It would be remiss of me not to add my congratulations. I wish to inquire about the progress of the Derelict Sites Bill, which has left this House. We were fortunate that the Minister was kind enough to accept two amendments. That was over two months ago. Has any progress been made? The necessity for very early implementation was emphasised during the course of the debate.
I would ask the Leader of the House if and when we will get an opportunity to discuss the constitutional implications of the case which has now become known as that between Senator Norris and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I do not wish to make a speech on this matter but nevertheless I should explain that Seanad Éireann has been named specifically as a defendant in the High Court. It is the first time that has happened. Will we have an opportunity to discuss the constitutional implications? I ask this of the Leader of the House, with all due deference.
I should like to propose a vote of good wishes to the Irish football team which left this morning on the World Cup campaign.
Senators
Hear, hear.
We all support Senator Manning in his vote of congratulations. I will find out about the Derelict Sites Bill and come back to Senator Costello as soon as possible. Senator Hanafin raised a constitutional matter. It is a question I cannot answer but most of us would like to see it answered. It is something which I hope will be dealt with in another forum on another day.
I am not sure if I have permission to speak again.
Strictly speaking, you have not but in the mood of goodwill which we have I will allow it for a brief moment.
Goodwill? The Fianna Fáil Members enjoy that but there was lack of evidence of it earlier today. This is quite a serious matter. I am very concerned about the dignity of this House, of which I have been honoured to be a member for 21 years. I am concerned about my own political party, as others are concerned about their parties, and for the dignity of the House. The Leader of the House has not clarified the position. He said he hoped it would be dealt with in another place by another group. Does he mean the Committee on Procedure and Privileges? I have asked if it will be dealt with in the Seanad.
The Leader of the House has replied and I have allowed you to make your comment. That should conclude the matter.
I am not questioning your statement or correcting the Senator's words but I have a very full statement——
(Interruptions.)
Senator Hanafin. without interruption, please.
Because agreement has been reached between the Whips on item No. 1 I cannot deal with the statement. I asked a question but I did not get a suitable answer.
The position, in accordance with Standing Orders, is that when the Leader of the House replies that is deemed to conclude the debate on Standing Orders and I then put the question: is the Order of Business agreed? I have to put that question now.
I do not think I have been shown the courtesy the Leader of the House should show a Senator. He has not answered my question——
Unfortunately I cannot——
This will have grave implications——
——enter into any disagreement which may obtain between the Senator and the Leader of the House.
I appreciate that but this has grave constitutional implications.
I appreciate that the Senator may very well be correct in his view but at the same time——
We are not in the other House.
——I must adhere to Standing Orders. I must now ask if the Order of Business is agreed.
May I ask if we will have an opportunity of clarifying that point?
The Senator cannot ask any question at this stage. I have put the question: Is the Order of Business agreed? Agreed.