The fact that this committee hearing will conflict with discussion on another Environment matter, the Electoral Bill, was raised by Opposition spokespersons in the House this morning. They sought an adjournment of the meeting. Following discussions between the Opposition spokespersons, the Whips and the Minister, the suggestion is that we suspend the sitting until 1.30 p.m. and work through until 4.30 p.m.
It is proposed that next week we sit on Wednesday, 18 October from 2.30 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on Thursday, 19 October from 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss the Waste Bill. The Minister can only be here until about 3 p.m. on Thursday but the Minister of State will be here for the rest of that day. I do not know how much we will get through. I propose that, with the leave of the committee, I will have discussions with the convenors to formulate a time programme for the discussion of sections and amendments so we can pace ourselves as we work through the Bill. As Deputy Sargent is not represented by the convenors we will also consult him.
The committee will agree that we have had a great deal of discussion on this Bill and have now set aside three days for Committee Stage which is more than most Bills get. It is a bigger Bill than most but it is not the biggest Bill we have ever had. Civil servants from the Department of the Environment will be available from 1.15 p.m. to give a briefing on the Bill if anyone requires it. Are those proposals agreed?Agreed.