Private Members' Business.
By agreement and notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, it is proposed that speakers should be called on in Private Members' time as follows: 7 p.m. to 7.25 p.m., Oppositon speaker; 7.25 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., Opposition speaker; 7.30 p.m. to 7.50 p.m., Government speaker; 7.50 p.m. to 8 p.m., Opposition speaker; 8 p.m. to 8.07 p.m., Government speaker; 8.07 p.m. to 8.12 p.m., Government speaker; 8.12 p.m. to 8.20 p.m., Opposition speaker; 8.20 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., Opposition speaker.
Comment on this
It is not agreed if Deputy Brady's proposal is to be included, that all Opposition speakers are Fianna Fáil speakers. At least one of the slots for the Opposition should be given to me, as I have put down an amendment to the motion. I should, at least, be given some time to propose that amendment.
Comment on this
I also want to protest at my party not being allowed to make a contribution. It is most unfair to the Workers' Party and ourselves that we are not allowed to move amendments. I want to make a very strong protest.
Comment on this
There are about 70 of us who would like to speak.
Comment on this
I do not wish to waste any time in disagreement. We would be willing to allocate, say, from 8.12 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. to Deputy De Rossa.
Comment on this
I am putting the proposal as read out by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, with the addendum that for Opposition speaker I am to read Fianna Fáil speaker and with a further addendum that three minutes between 8.12 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. are to be allotted to Deputy De Rossa.
Comment on this
May I mention that I have furnished the Ceann Comhairle with a list of speakers from the main Opposition side.
