Thursday business wording
Deputy Howlin queried a discrepancy in the written Order of Business about a Thursday division, and members clarified that the revised order was the correct version. The Taoiseach said there was no intention of a vote on Thursday evening and that the matter was listed as statements as before.
May I ask something by way of clarification? Deputy Mattie McGrath read a long Order of Business and I did not hear him read the section about Thursday's business, No. 3, which is in the written version I have. It says "on the conclusion of proceedings on Second Stage of the Bill or at 3.00 p.m., whichever is the earlier, and any division demanded shall be taken immediately". Is that in the Order of Business the Deputy read out?
Comment on this
It is not being proceeded with.
Comment on this
I know that. I asked because a different version was supplied to me.
Comment on this
What the Deputy reads out is the key thing.
Comment on this
For clarification, there was a revised Order of Business sent out and that is the one which Deputy Mattie McGrath read.
Comment on this
Deputy Mattie McGrath is always right.
Comment on this
These are really matters for the Business Committee rather than matters to be resolved in this forum. The Ceann Comhairle is correct in saying that the reason the debate cannot happen on Wednesday or Thursday morning is because the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, along with a number of other Ministers, will be attending the national economic and social dialogue in Dublin Castle. That dialogue involves the social partners, unions, business groups and others.
However, I see from the agenda that two hours and ten minutes have been provided for statements on FEMPI between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday. I do not quite understand Deputy Boyd Barrett's definition of the graveyard slot. Many people work after 5 p.m. It is not a graveyard slot. It is not even the last thing on the agenda; a Sinn Féin Private Members' Bill will be taken afterward.