In respect of the defence motion that is scheduled for tomorrow, we have not had sight of it yet. Obviously there was some discussion of the change from Operation Pontus to Operation Sophia. We would need to see the detail. It is not good policy to have a very significant decision being made without the Opposition parties having more than a matter of hours' sight of it. If it has not already happened, when will the motion be circulated? Is it necessary to proceed with this tomorrow? It is very bad practice for a decision of this importance to be rushed in this fashion.

This is a procedural motion to allow for 40 minutes to discuss a defence motion which, as Deputy Howlin said, has not been produced yet. We have heard in the media that it was before the Cabinet. That is not good enough. The implications of this motion, if it is to come before the House, are huge. I am not going to go into the specifics of it because we are now discussing the procedural motion. We in this House are supposed to have a triple lock. We cannot take a decision of such huge significance, which undermines our neutrality and changes our policy, in 40 minutes.

The Taoiseach to respond.

There has been no pre-legislative scrutiny or discussion in committee. This is a fundamental change and we have to object.

Hear, hear.

In respect of the procedural motion to the effect that the defence motion be brought to a conclusion after 40 minutes, the defence motion has not been circulated yet. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Why the rush?

It can certainly be circulated today. It will be a very short motion so people will have plenty of time to read and consider it. On the advice and recommendation of the Defence Forces, the Government just this morning approved Defence Forces participation in Operation Sophia. It is a UN-mandated EU naval operation in the southern central Mediterranean. The decision on participation is subject to the triple lock. It requires a UN mandate, which is in place, and a Government decision, which was made this morning. The only thing delaying our Defence Forces and our Navy from taking part in Operation Sophia is that we require a resolution of the Dáil.

We are not delaying anything. This House is not a delay.

Of course, we want this resolution of the Dáil to go through before the recess.

If the triple lock is to mean anything, we have to have time to see the motion.

We are happy to produce the motion today. It will be a very short motion, maybe only one page. People will have time to consider it and have the debate tomorrow. If more time is required for the debate, that is certainly not a difficulty.

The Taoiseach confirms that the motion will be circulated shortly and that if more time is necessary, the Business Committee-----

Can we return to this issue tomorrow morning when we have had a chance to look at the motion? Then we can see what kind of timeframe is required.

I do not think we can say that the Dáil is delaying an issue. If anything, the delay has been on the Government's side. We are willing to facilitate this.

In the meantime, the Taoiseach has given a commitment that the motion will be circulated shortly. There could be an extension of time, which would be a matter for the Business Committee.

Let us park the issue until tomorrow morning.

The Deputy may bring it back tomorrow morning but, in the meantime, is Wednesday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal in respect of Thursday's business agreed to? Not agreed.