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Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 157 No. 6

Business of Seanad.

Mr. Ryan

I wish to repeat that we agreed to finish at 9 p.m. We should sort this out. The Government Whip told me we would finish at 9 p.m. The time we finish is not a matter of great concern to me but Members should not have to sit here in a cloud of uncertainty not knowing the time we are finishing.

It is not a matter for the Chair. There is no decision of the House in relation to the time at which we finish.

Mr. Ryan

May I propose then that we adjourn now since that is what we agreed to do?

We were tied to have a time agreed. It was agreed by everyone with the exception of Senator Ryan and Senator Costello. Certainly the Fine Gael spokesperson and the spokespersons of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats agreed that we would sit until 10 p.m. It now appears that I will have to look at altering the proposed business for tomorrow because of the enormous interest in the Bill. We have been discussing this Bill from 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. until, I hoped, 10 p.m. We tried earlier to reach agreement through the Whips and if there was a misunderstanding, I apologise.

Mr. Ryan

There was no misunderstanding.

I propose to sit until 10 p.m. That would mean we will spend six hours today and all day tomorrow, if necessary, debating this Stage of the Bill.

The Leader has proposed that the House continue consideration of Committee Stage of the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997, until 10 p.m. Is that agreed?

Mr. Ryan

No.

I am putting the question: "That the debate on item 2 be adjourned at 10 p.m.". I think the question is carried.

Mr. Ryan

Vótáil.

The question is: "That the debate on item 2 be adjourned at 10 p.m.". On that question a division has been challenged. Will the Senators claiming this division please rise?

Senators Ryan and Costello rose in their places.

I declare the question carried. The names of the Senators who stood will be recorded in the Official Report and Journal of Proceedings.

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