I have a question. In the first draft of the Order of Business from the Business Committee, I note that it was intended to have statements in the House today on the death of Mr. Fidel Castro, the former President of Cuba, but that has been deleted. Today is the day for recognising the contribution of Mr. Castro not only to the development of Cuba and its people but also internationally on many levels. Given that international figures are participating in ceremonies in Cuba today, it would be appropriate for us to reflect on his death and contribution. I appeal to the House that we do not let the day go by without ensuring that this is done. Whatever the reason behind the decision, and I hope it is only related to technical arrangements, if it cannot be facilitated today, though that is my appeal, I hope that it can be facilitated this week.

I seek clarification from the Taoiseach on same.

Deputy Barry, is your question on the proposal for Tuesday that I am putting before the House?

It relates to the Order of Business for the week, so the Leas-Cheann Comhairle can take it now or later. I do not mind.

We are just dealing with Tuesday's business at the moment. Does Deputy Shortall, on behalf of the Business Committee, have any comment to make, or the Government, on the question from Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin? If not, I will put the question.

I have no information on the reason that was withdrawn.

The country will be represented at the funeral today in Havana by Ambassador Hyland, who is based in Mexico.

I think it is appropriate that the House records its sympathy to the people of Cuba, the ambassador, Hermes Herrera, and the President of Cuba, whose brother, the former President, has died. It was the intention of the Business Committee.

It was not.

I would like an explanation as to why it was-----

If there is an opportunity, you will be able to expand on that. The Minister of State, Deputy Doherty, has indicated.

The House should agree to proceed with what was clearly initially intended.

I will put the question after the Minister of State, Deputy Doherty, intervenes.

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Could I make a suggestion because I do not believe there was a clear intention yesterday? There was confusion among different people having different phone conversations, and a Business Committee meeting would be more appropriate to deal with this. Perhaps it could be added to the agenda on Thursday.

I am putting the question.

On a point of order-----

What was proposed?

That it be discussed at the Business Committee.

Can I make a point before anybody discusses anything? Could we get the precedence and the protocols for what happens when leaders of state die?

Former leaders.

Former leaders. I am not aware of previous-----

Perhaps the Business Committee-----

There is an important issue here. I can think of former leaders of other states who passed away about whom there would be uproar in here if attempts were made to debate those, and I am not casting any aspersions on-----

The Business Committee-----

There are protocols attached to votes of sympathy that are long standing in the House. We need to establish those. We cannot make them up on a whim. It is my understanding that this happened after the Business Committee met.

The Business Committee has a brief for proposing the Order of Business and the Minister of State, Deputy Doherty, has suggested that the Business Committee would consider this, look at the protocols-----

With respect, I have suggested that the House would consider this proposal because clearly, and Members will have a copy of the Business Committee's proposal, it was decided and it has since been deleted. I propose-----

Are you proposing an amendment to No. 1?

Certainly. I do believe-----

And your amendment is-----

I believe that contributions on the death of Fidel Castro, who was a figure of major international importance and a friend of Ireland, and irrespective of the opinions of Members-----

Deputy Ó Caoláin, it is very clear. If you want to propose an amendment, propose an amendment and I will put it to the House.

Deputy Shortall, unless you have some proposal relating to the Business Committee, I am moving on.

I have. A new procedure was agreed at the Business Committee last week where there was disagreement among the parties on the taking of business. It was proposed that there would be telephone contact between the Members the night before and, if agreement could not be reached, a meeting of the Business Committee would be convened the following morning. I suggest that rather than dividing the House on this issue, we seek to reach agreement on it this evening, bearing in mind the suggestion made by Deputy Martin, and that we seek to resolve this matter tomorrow morning.

So the Business Committee will take the opportunity of considering it this evening.

Rather than divide the House, I am willing to accept that the Business Committee will reconsider the proposition and I hope it would strongly take on board my commendation. I am sure the view is reflected by many in this House that the death of Fidel Castro should be appropriately recorded in this House.

Having regard to the suggestions from the Minister of State and Deputy Shortall, is the proposal for dealing with Tuesday's business agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Wednesday's business agreed to?