Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Nov 2011

Vol. 211 No. 8

Business of Seanad

Notwithstanding anything in the Order of Business, I propose that Second Stage continue until 2.30 p.m., unless previously concluded. We will review the matter at that time.

On a point of order, we were under the impression during the Order of Business this morning that Second Stage would be adjourned at 1.45 p.m. and resumed next week. There seems to be a change.

Members asked that the Minister come to the House to finish the Bill today. The Minister has agreed to do so. He is prepared to complete the Bill today and it may be discussed as much as the Opposition wishes. I have proposed an amendment to the Order of Business in this regard.

I was making a point and was not allowed to finish it. It was that we are willing to accept that on the basis——

Sit down——

That is not a point of order.

I address my remarks through the Chair because utterances seem to be coming from the other side.

It is not a point of order.

The Senator has made his point.

It is not a point of order.

We will accept the proposal on the basis that there will be no guillotine on Committee Stage.

There will be no basis——

We want a guarantee to that effect.

The Senator is wasting time by speaking.

The Leader has proposed that the time allowed for Second Stage be extended to 2.30 p.m. Senator Ó Domhnaill may make his point at that time if I am in the Chair. The debate is still under way.

It is a question of whether we agree on this side of the House. We agree so long as there will be no guillotine on Committee Stage.

The Senator may discuss that at 2.25 p.m.

Will the Leader confirm that?

If the Leader confirms that, there will be no further issue.

The proposal is that the time allowed for the debate be extended to 2.30 p.m. Is that agreed?

I raised this issue on the Order of Business. I appreciate what the Leader is offering. My colleague, Senator Ó Domhnaill, has just asked a very simple question. While we welcome the Leader's proposal, we ask whether he will commit to not guillotining Committee Stage, on which Stage amendments will be tabled.

That is next week's business.

The proposal has been made and I heard what the Leader said. Is there any objection? The Leader is saying that, if business is not concluded by 2:30 p.m., it will be added to next week's business.

No. I said we would review the matter at 2.30 p.m.

It will depend on the number of speakers. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Barr
Roinn