I propose we sit as long as possible — until 8 p.m. — with a sos from 5.30 p.m. until 6 o'clock. Is that agreed?
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The Minister for Justice is taking Private Notice Questions in the Dáil today and that will involve the attendance of Deputy Gilmore, Deputy Mitchell and myself at 4.20 p.m. I request that we adjourn to allow us attend in the House for the answers to those questions.
Have we agreed that we will go on until 6 o'clock, break for half an hour and resume? On what basis are we agreeing that? How long is it proposed we deliberate on the remainder of this Bill?
I suggested we discuss the Bill until 8 o'clock with a sos from 5.30 p.m. until 6 o'clock. Subsequently Deputy O'Donnell requested that there be a short adjournment because Opposition spokespersons are awaiting replies from the Minister to Private Notice Questions. In view of that, we can adjourn from 4.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. if the committee so wishes. Is that agreed? Agreed.
I understand the committee will not be sitting next week to discuss this Bill. Is it also accepted it is unlikely we will finish the Bill tonight or is it envisaged that we will finish it?
That is for the committee to decide.
If we are agreeing to sit for a few hours, break and sit again, it is only reasonable to assume we will conclude our deliberations on Committee Stage of the Bill this evening. If we agree to sit today, adjourn at the end of the day and resume on another day how long will this continue?
I am trying to facilitate members. The Minister is here and we want to get through as much of this Bill as we can. It is a long and comprehensive Bill, there are many amendments, detailed contributions have already been given and we have made progress. Members can decide how far we go; if we finish the Bill this evening that is fine, if not we will proceed on the next occasion.
I have not received clarification on this issue. How long do we propose to debate the remaining amendments?
It is not a matter for the Chair to decide.
I am asking the Chairman to put this question to the meeting.
The length of time it takes to discuss Committee Stage will depend on the progress we make on the various amendments. I hope a guillotine will be introduced.
We would get through the amendments more quickly if we started to discuss them, rather than arguing about when we will finish.
That is not my experience. If one discusses each amendment without setting targets, contributions will be repeated. Perhaps the Chair could indicate the time we will finish?
We will begin the discussion and see what progress we make. I do not accept that we should complete the Bill this evening, without seing what progress we make, therefore I ask for co-operation. There was no consultation about finalising the Bill this evening. I ask the convenors to agree an arrangement about this Bill. We have agreed to adjourn at 4.15 p.m. to allow the Opposition spokespersons——
On the understanding that there will be consultation——
I did not interrupt you, so please allow me to finish. We have made a decision about completing our business this evening. We will now discuss the Bill.
I am always willing to co-operate.
Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, 1994: Committee Stage (Resumed).