I propose an amendment to No. 5 on the Order of Business. Spokespersons will have ten minutes, all other Senators will have seven minutes and Senators may share time.

Ten minutes is insufficient for spokespersons on such a critical issue.

I too am getting only ten minutes.

The Minister has had opportunities elsewhere and this is really not acceptable.

During the week, I informed the Seanad Office I had another meeting about the matter at 6 p.m.

One of the Ministers of State could come here in the Minister's place.

I put back the other meeting to get this hour to be here. I wanted to come to the Seanad.

I appreciate it is a matter outside the control of the Minister.

The Leader of the House has made a proposal and the House must decide on it.

Could we not make it 15 minutes for the spokespersons?

I propose 12 minutes for spokespersons if that is agreeable to the House.

Is that agreed?

Not really, but I suppose we have no choice.