I wish to raise an issue in respect of scheduling with the Minister. It relates to the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill. A motion will be moved in the House which allows for an hour of contributions, but the "others" grouping cannot contribute. In the House yesterday the Taoiseach facilitated the "others" grouping in the pre-European Council debate. Will the Minister ensure that this is facilitated today? I have contributed to Second and Committee Stages and I have tabled Report Stage amendments, including an amendment to the relevant section that is being debated in the motion, yet I am excluded from contributing. I hope that the Minister can facilitate us in this respect.

I was not in the House yesterday when the Taoiseach responded, but I gather that, subject to the agreement of the House, if time is available it can be shared between the Technical Group and the others, if that is agreeable. However, it is a matter for the House to decide.

There is a difficulty. I am sure the Technical Group has allocated speakers on the motion. This was brought in. I spoke with officials in the Ceann Comhairle's office yesterday and they were unaware of the detail before it was moved in the House. I was unaware of the detail. I have actively participated in the debate and I have tabled amendments to the relevant sections that are being debated in the motion. I believe I should have a right to contribute, as do other Members. Deputy Shortall has also tabled an amendment.

That sounds reasonable to me. I suggest that Deputy Naughten bring the matter directly to the Whips to see if space, time and agreement can be found to do it.

The debate is to take place in 13 minutes. I am asking the Government to facilitate us.

He is looking for ten minutes, for God's sake.

I would like to see Deputies facilitated in this House. I understand that there is not an offer from the Technical Group, as we speak, for a speaking slot. Perhaps the Deputy present in the House could confirm that. There is no objection on our side to Deputies being able to speak.

It is not fair.

On the same matter, if I can be of assistance-----

No, we are not having a debate on this issue. An order was passed yesterday. If there is a problem and if I can assist in any way with the co-operation of the House, we will sort it out.

A Cheann Comhairle, can I be helpful?

I think it is time people realised the purpose of this exercise. There is no point in our finishing early in the day if people are prevented from speaking. With a little co-operation we can work these things out, but we cannot do it on the floor of the House on the Order of Business. Can I ask that these discussions take place behind the scenes? The Chair will be only too pleased to facilitate any agreement reached.

We will facilitate it.

I want to thank you for your co-operation at all times in looking after us Independents.

Are you not part of the Technical Group?

I do not get any time. You look after me for time. Thank you. We will say nothing until we hear more.

Will Deputy Mattie McGrath slow it down so that I can understand what he is saying?