Today's Order of Business will be Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. It is proposed, subject to agreement, to take all Stages of Items 1 and 2 between now and 12 noon. Item 3 will be decided without debate. All Stages of Items 4 and 5 will be taken from 12 noon and will conclude by 5 p.m. On Item 4, the speech of spokespersons shall not exceed 30 minutes and the speech of other Members shall not exceed 15 minutes. The matter on the Adjournment will be taken at the conclusion of business.
Order of Business.
I have no difficulty with the Order of Business, as long as the Leader of the House is prepared to allow for flexibility if it is needed.
May I draw attention to a report in the Irish Independent today which refers to my absence from a vote in this House yesterday. The report clearly implied that I was not present because I was afraid to vote, or was unwilling to be counted, on the issue. However, I was officially paired and left early to accompany the remains of a dear friend to church. Had I been here, I would have voted with my party. Before journalists rush to accuse someone, in print, of dodging their official duty they should have first checked with the Whip who would have told them the facts, who was officially paired and the reasons, rather than printing a report like this, which is damaging and untrue. I have never had any difficulty taking a stand on any issue in this House and I never will.
On the Order of Business, may I tell the Leader that today he is sailing closer to the wind in handling appeals not to force business through this House. We do not oppose the Order of Business but I would remind him not to push his luck. We should also record our thanks to Senator O'Toole who, by some glorious accident, reduced "Morning Ireland" to silence this morning, when he referred to bald tyres, a spare wheel and petroleum. It is the first time I can recall this happening. The presenter could not carry on with his report and for that, the Senator deserves our congratulations.
As I said yesterday, there are only two Bills to deal with between now and the summer recess. Several other issues have been requested for debate and I hope they will be agreed by the Whips. This House will be dealing with the tax amnesty Bill on Thursday, 8 July.
Order of Business agreed to.