Seanad Éireann - Volume 100 - 05 May, 1983

Business of Seanad.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach: When is it proposed to sit again?

Mr. A. O'Brien: On Tuesday next.

Mrs. McGuinness: Will it be at 2.30?

Mr. A. O'Brien: Yes.

Mrs. McGuinness: Is it proposed by the Government that there should be a vote on Tuesday night because I asked at the beginning of the sitting today if there was to be a guillotine on this debate. There are still quite a number of speakers and whether they will all be fitted in between 2.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday seems to be doubtful so I would like some indication of the position. There was some indication from Senator Dooge that the Minister would not be available on Wednesday. I would like to know what the intention is because I should very much deprecate the idea that a speaker should be refused an opportunity to contribute to this debate because it happens to suit the Minister to be either here or not here.

Mr. W. Ryan: In a discussion with Senator Dooge he assured me that there will not be a guillotine and that the Minister will be here. The debate may not finish on Tuesday. If it does not, it will go on into Wednesday.

Mr. Ross: I understand that the Minister will not be here on Wednesday. Can we go on on Wednesday without the Minister being here if the Second Stage still [709] has not been concluded on Tuesday evening?

Mr. W. Ryan: I did not say the Minister would not be here on Wednesday. I understand he will be here on Tuesday.

An Cathaoirleach: The situation is unfortunate, as far as I am concerned. I have no responsibility for the Minister. It was a question for the Leader of the House and as Senator McGuinness said, I felt the Leader of the House should have been asked what the position is. As far as I am concerned the Leader of the House gave an undertaking that there would be no guillotine. Is it agreed that we meet again on Tuesday?

Senators: Agreed.