This is obviously a precedent in your tenure in office, a Chathaoirligh, because Senator Norris is the first person to have been asked to leave the House in that period. It is something we all regret. We have reached a stage with this Bill where serious issues have arisen. In the interests of good order and of getting the right decision on what is a private Bill, a number of issues, which I am not going to rehash now, have been introduced. It is possible to come to a compromise through discussion, as was suggested. I propose to ask your permission, a Chathaoirligh, and that of the Leader, to adjourn this item of business until a later date so that the matter can be discussed in a calm way and a compromise can be reached.
The Trinity College, Dublin and the University of Dublin (Charters and Letters Patent Amendment) Bill, 1997: Report Stage (Resumed).
Debate resumed on amendment No. 1:
In page 3, lines 8 and 9, to delete "AND THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN ARE" and substitute "IS".
(Senator Dardis).
May I second that?
Can we perhaps suspend the sitting for five minutes in order to give Members an opportunity to discuss this matter?
While I thank you for that suggestion, a Chathaoirligh, with respect, I believe that five minutes will not be enough. Discussions will need to take place elsewhere with other people because of new factors that have arisen. I suggest that the matter should be adjourned until a later date.
I can agree to the suggestion to suspend debate on the legislation. We will review the matter on the Order of Business tomorrow morning.
That is acceptable.
Is that agreed?
I thank the Leader for his accommodation in the matter.
We will postpone the debate on this matter. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Debate adjourned.
Sitting suspended at 2.15 p.m. and resumed at 2.30 p.m.