It is proposed to take No. 1 on the Order Paper.

I wish to inform the Seanad that I have ruled that amendment No. 1 in the names of Senators Murphy, Miss Davidson, McQuillan and J. Fitzgerald is out of order. It is inconsistent with Standing Orders. I have, however, agreed to accept a substitute amendment which has been circulated.

On the Order of Business may I inquire from the Leader of the House when it is intended that the House would go into recess for the summer holidays?

Autumn holidays.

Winter holidays.

I hope as soon as we have completed this Bill, which I estimate should be not later than the 4th August.

Is it not asking a bit much to request all Stages of this Bill by the 4th August? The Seanad has a very worthy record in regard to amendments of Bills and I take it it is to be assumed that the Minister will be open to accept amendments on this Bill like he has on other Bills.

Take all the time you want.

Surely the proper course would be that when the Second Reading is ended we would then fix a date for the Committee Stage. The Leader of the House mentioned the 4th August. This I interpret as a wish and it does not necessarily mean that there is agreement on it.

It is intended as a joke.

I was asked when I expect the Seanad to rise. I expect the Seanad to rise not later than the 4th August.

As long as we are not told afterwards that it was agreed.

Certainly it is not agreed.