It is proposed to take No. a9, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the draft Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters relative to An Garda Síochána and other persons) Order 2014; and No. 19, Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2014 - Committee and Remaining Stages.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that in the event that Topical Issues have not concluded at the time fixed for taking Private Members' business, the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. tonight and shall adjourn on the adjournment of Private Members' business, which shall be No. 142, motion re the ambulance service, and shall be taken on the conclusion of Topical Issues and shall, if not previously concluded, adjourn after 90 minutes; No. a9 shall be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 75 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and of the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, or a person nominated in their stead, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case and such Members may share their time, and the order shall resume thereafter with Topical Issues.

Tomorrow's business after Oral Questions shall be No. 19, Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2014 - Committee and Remaining Stages (resumed); and No. 3, Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2014 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage.

There are two proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. a9 agreed?

No. I am somewhat taken aback by the lack of notice to the leaders of the Opposition regarding the Government proposal in relation to the debate on the terms of reference of the commission of investigation into a whole range of issues, particularly the recording of phone conversations in Garda stations, the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case and so on.

Last week, we inquired as to who, specifically, would be taking this debate and we were told it would be taken by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the spokespersons. It is only in the last hour that we have been told by the Whip's office that the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the leaders of the Opposition parties will be discussing the motion. This is shockingly short notice to give to the leaders of the Opposition. Perhaps the Taoiseach would provide an explanation to the House as to the reason we were told a week ago this debate would be taken by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and the spokespersons, in respect of which preparations have been made, and why only in the past hour we were alerted to the fact that he and the Tánaiste would be taking it.

The reason the Minister for Justice and Equality is not taking this debate is an issue I will leave aside for now because perhaps the Taoiseach can explain that.

We have not yet had sight of the motion. I specifically asked for a copy of it at 2 p.m. today. I have been in the House all afternoon with the Taoiseach and have still not received it, although I am told a copy of it was deposited in my pigeonhole at 3 p.m. With respect, and leaving aside all the talk about clarity and full and frank debates and so on, that a copy of the motion was only deposited into our pigeonholes at 3 p.m. for a debate due to take place now is not a good way to do business on such an important issue.

This is a matter relevant to the Department of the Taoiseach. What I read into the record in terms of the Order of Business for today was hand delivered to the leaders of the Opposition at 1.30 p.m. today. The Minister for Justice and Equality is in Luxembourg. This is an important issue that requires clarity and decisiveness from a Government perspective. This is the reason I propose to move the motion, which relates to the terms of reference for the commission of investigation. I intend to do likewise in the Seanad. The commission of investigation is being established under a sole member, who is a member of the Supreme Court. It is important the motion is dealt with quickly so that the sole member can get on with his business, in respect of which he has complete and utter independent control.

The proposed Order of Business schedule was hand delivered to members at 1.30 p.m. It is not true to say that Members have been given only 15 minutes' notice of the motion and are now expected to debate it.

The Deputy was already notified in accordance with the normal rules that apply in respect of Tuesday sittings. That is the position.

I did not raise that issue-----

I know that.

Deputy Martin raised it. I referred to the motion, a copy of which I sought at 2 p.m. At that time I asked whether the motion was available and I was informed that it was not. Since I entered the House, I received a text indicating that a copy of the motion had arrived at 3 p.m. The Taoiseach answered a question I did not put.

Was the motion circulated?

Yes. It was circulated at 2.30 p.m. after it had been cleared by the Cabinet.

I am obliged to put the question.