Leader’s response to debate requests
The Leader declines the proposed mortgage-motion amendment, notes possible dates for an education debate, and welcomes constructive discussion of the Independent motion.
-----and I do not propose to accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.
Senators Bacik, Barrett, Cullinane and others sought a debate on education. The Minister for Education and Skills will be in the House on either 16 or 23 October, but the date has not been finalised. The Minister has to confirm one of the dates for me.
Senator van Turnhout and other Members referred to the Private Members' motion that will be discussed this evening. I join Senator van Turnhout in hoping that we will have a very constructive debate. Governments decide whether to submit an amendment to a motion. That is the way it has been and the previous Government always tabled amendments to motions. However, we have reached agreement in the House on motions in the past. It is not just a matter of tabling amendments to them. Let us see how we get on with this. I am sure there will be a constructive debate this evening on the excellent motion proposed by the Independent Senators.
Senator Quinn and all other Senators received the consultation document on proposed Seanad reform. I will accede to the Senator's request and we might have a discussion on it next week.
