It is proposed to take No. 2.

Could I inquire from the Leader of the House as to the position regarding other business? We have a good deal of business in the form of Motions, some of which have been on the Order Paper for quite a long time. I have been disturbed to hear criticisms from a Minister that one of these subjects has not been discussed, particularly as this matter has been on the Order Paper for about a year. The House has not met for about four months and we ought to have some assurance that time will be given to enable the Seanad to do the work it is paid to do. We ought to have an assurance that this time will be given in the near future.

It was hoped to have a meeting of the House earlier than today and for that purpose a meeting of a sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges was to have been held to deal with the Motion which I had down for consideration regarding Motions and speeches in the House. Unfortunately we were unable to hold that meeting on the date fixed in November and that was one reason why the House did not meet before now. I can assure Senators that every endeavour will be made to get that Motion discussed so that we can expedite the Business of the House.

Is it intended to take any Motion during the sittings today and tomorrow?

We have enough Government business to keep us busy during the present sitting.