It is proposed to take items Nos. 2, 3 — Committee and Final Stages — and No. 4. There will be a sos between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
Were we to resume item No. 5 today?
No.
When is it proposed to take item No. 1? On a general point I am a little bit concerned about the absence of substantial business coming to the House. Perhaps the Leader could let us know if there is some substantial business coming over the forthcoming weeks.
On the European debate which was being discussed last night, I understood we were to conclude that debate yesterday afternoon or else continue it today. I would prefer to continue today and conclude it today on the basis that I believe that next week there will be other subjects for discussion. There did not seem to be a great queue of speakers last night on the issue. I felt that it would be possible to conclude it easily enough.
The Senator is wrong there. There were plenty of speakers.
Is there any question of the Environmental Protection Agency Bill being introduced in this House? Can the Senator give us any indication of when we can expect it to be debated here?
Would the Leader of the House convey to the Government the overwhelming desire of the majority of Irish people that the Birmingham Six be immediately released in the light of the reports that the DPP in Britain is not going to proceed with the appeal hearing?
Ba mhaith liom a fhiafraí den Cheannaire, tríd an Chathaoirleach, an mbeadh an Coiste um Nós Imeachta agus Pribhléidí sásta castáil liom inniu le ceist phráinneach an chóras aistriúcháin a phlé, mar ceapaim go bhfuil mo chearta bunreachtúla sáraithe sa Teach seo, mar a dúirt mé anseo cheana. Tá faitíos mór orm nach mbeidh an córas ná an fhoireann le fáil tar éis na Nollag.
I also had understood that we were continuing with statements regarding European Economic Monetary Union and European Political Union today. Even if that is not the case I am hopeful you will be able to give us an assurance that there will be a satisfactory amount of time allowed next week. I also indicated that I would be moving an amendment to the Order of Business, which I will be pressing. That is, that we take item No. 80 first: "That Seanad Éireann expresses concern at the Government's total lack of action in meeting the requirements of last October's judgment in the European Court of Human Rights concerning discrimination against homosexual citizens of Ireland". I formally propose that amendment to the Order of Business and I will continue doing so until there is some sign of action from the Government.
Senator Seán Fallon to reply.
The various items——
May I second Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business?
I am sorry I have made a ruling on this before. I have called on the Leader of the House to reply. The discussion must include the seconding. Otherwise, it cannot be accepted at this point.
Senator Manning and other Senators asked about item No. 5 on the Order Paper, which deals with the European Economic and Monetary Union. I think the record will clearly show that yesterday I said we would have a continuation next week. That is the position and the Whips will be meeting regarding that. Senator Norris asked could we have additional time for that discussion. As far as I am concerned we, certainly, on this side of the House want extra time. Yesterday, I have to say, despite what Senator O'Toole said, we had seven speakers waiting to speak on that matter yesterday.
My apologies.
Accepted.
No, never. We may be down, but we are not out.
Senator Manning also referred to item No. 1 which, as I indicated to Senator Myles Staunton yesterday, is a private business. We can take Second Stage next Wednesday, if that is what Senators want. I understand it is in order to take it and the Whips will meet to talk about that Bill. As regards the Environmental Agency Bill to which Senator Upton referred, I understand it is still not ready. He also asked whether it will be introduced here or not. My understanding again is that there are seven new Bills ready for initiation, and I am hopeful that we will get something. I cannot say specifically if we will get that Bill or not. I would like to think we would, but we must wait and see. Senator Mooney raised something which was not appropriate to the Order of Business and the point raised by Senator Ó Foighil was raised yesterday also on the Order of Business. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges met last evening and hopefully cleared the situation for movement in that direction. Senator Norris asked for extra time on the EC motion. He also asked a question about Item No. 80 on the clár. It is not proposed to take that today.
Order of Business agreed to.