On a point of order, will you, a Cheann Comhairle, strictly apply the terms of Standing Orders in regard to notice of amendments to motions, in view of the fact that the Government amendment to the motion in Private Members' Time has not yet been tabled? The notice period expired three quarters of an hour ago. I take it you will apply the Standing Orders properly and strictly.

Within reason, I will do what I can to accommodate——

Within whose reason?

Will you agree——

The Chair has discretion in this matter and within reason——

Will you agree the Opposition is entitled to time to consider the terms of any amendment? If the Government is already three quarters of an hour late in tabling an amendment which is to be debated two and a quarter hours from now, there is no way the Chair can reasonably restore that lost time.

The Chair is anxious to accommodate the wishes of the House and will exercise its discretion. We are talking about a hypothetical situation.

We are not talking about a hypothetical situation. It is a fact that the Government has not yet tabled an amendment to tonight's Private Members' motion.

The Chair will exercise its discretion.

Perhaps the Government intends to accept the motion.

The motion ought to have been submitted by 2.30 p.m. but we have not seen it yet. We do not know what we are going to be debating.

Perhaps the Government is agreeing to the motion.

The matter will be considered. We are dealing with Question Time now and cannot discuss the matter at this stage. I have made the position clear. There was a supplementary question——

You have not made the position clear. This is a serious motion and the Government ought to——

The Chair cannot be forced into such a decision. I assure Deputy Bruton and the House I will use my discretion on the matter.

In a manner that takes account of the Opposition's need to prepare and evaluate. The Government is treating the Opposition in a cavalier manner by not tabling its amendment.

I will not be bulldozed into a decision on the matter now.