Before I propose today's Order of Business may I mention two points in relation to yesterday's business? Obviously the House is concerned with the situation in Aer Lingus, and it is also my personal concern. I have been in touch with the Minister and, subject to the agreement of the House, she will come to the Seanad next week to give the up to date position following her meeting with the board today. I believe that is the proper approach. I have already heard one statement on the radio which suggested that it is an evolving situation. In this way we will have the most up to date information on it.
The House will sit on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week, the times to be agreed among the Whips, to deal with the referenda Bills.
It is proposed to take Item No. 1 on the Order paper today. The format agreed is that the Minister will start the debate and the spokesperson of each group will have 20 minutes, with 15 minutes for each speaker thereafter. The Minister will take a question and answer session not later than 4.30 p.m., depending on how the debate goes. If the House feels the Minister should come in earlier, we can do that. I welcome this innovation and thank the Minister and the Whips. If that is agreed, that is how we will take this very important debate on education today.