You have before you a copy of the revised motion. Deputy Dennehy to move.
Procedure Generally.
Chairman
I move that—
"Notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders it is proposed that:
(A) The Special Committee on Solicitors Bill shall meet by agreement on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4.00 p.m. to not later than 7.00 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 2.00 p.m. to not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesdays and
(B) That only voice votes shall be recorded on the business being dealt with each day. It is open to any Deputy to record his dissent."
I second the motion.
In relation to Wednesday meetings, I presume this is intended to apply when the House is not sitting. If it was to apply firstly for next Wednesday I am not sure if it would suit the time scale of the House since the President is addressing us. The Fine Gael Party would normally have a parliamentary party meeting on the Wednesday as would Fianna Fáil, so I am concerned about this 12 to 3 business on the Wednesday in the context of Dáil sittings.
Minister
I have just been informed that the President is addressing the House at 4.15 on Wednesday.
4.15 on Wednesday. It is a moveable feast at this stage.
It will be at 4.15.
The 12 to 3 arrangement seems a bit crazy. Why can we not have it from 4 to 7 on Wednesday again?
Chairman
The President is delivering her speech at 4.15.
Normally, 12 to 3 is right during lunch time.
All have parliamentary meetings next Wednesday. A 12 o'clock start is not realistic. We could meet next Wednesday from let us say 2 to 4 o'clock perhaps. If we were then to meet during recess, it would be easy enough for Dublin Deputies.
Chairman
I think we can afford to be flexibile on the times to suit the Members. I believe we all agree to the first part of the motion. What Members are suggesting now is that we meet next Wednesday from 2 to 4 and on subsequent Wednesdays, if possible, we would meet from 4 to 7, as on a Tuesday.
When the House is not siting, 2.30 to 5 o'clock or 2.30 to 6 o'clock rather than 4 to 7 o'clock. I propose that the motion be amended so as to apply to next week's sittings only.
Chairman
Is that agreed? Agreed. We will firstly decide the sittings for next week as per paragraph A of the motion, as amended; 2 to 4 o'clock next Wednesday and 4 to 7 o'clock on Tuesday. We will not be sitting tomorrow. Is that agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that, as in paragraph B of the motion, only voice votes should be recorded? Agreed.
Committee to sit again.
The Committee adjourned at 7 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday 7 July 1992.