It is proposed to take all stages of Item 1, the Local Government (Dublin) Bill, 1993. It is also proposed to take Item 2, the Motion for Earlier Signature, without debate. The provisions of Standing Order 28 will not apply to the sittings of the House next week. Today's Adjournment matter will be taken at the conclusion of Business. It is suggested that spokespersons should have 20 minutes each, and 15 minutes thereafter.
Order of Business.
The Order of Business is agreed, at least from where I stand. I wish to raise two points arising from the Order of Business. Yesterday, Senator Magner and others raised the question of the THORP nuclear reprocessing facility and the total agreement among all parties concerning its undesirability. Would it be possible to set aside half an hour next week to allow spokespersons from each group to make short statements on the matter? In that way the House would speak with one voice on the issue. Also, could the Leader provide any information about the debate proposed for next week on the Downing Street Declaration?
I concur with the idea of a debate on THORP next week. I am sure that, as the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Deputy Cowen, will be in the House on Tuesday, the Chief Whip will take up your suggestion with him now. With regard to a debate on the Downing Street Declaration, the Whips are hoping to take that on Wednesday.
Order of Business agreed to.