The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Seanad reform, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude not later than 4 p.m., with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Taoiseach to be called on to reply not later than 3.50 p.m.; No. 2, statements on the Common Agricultural Policy, to be taken at 4 p.m. and conclude not later than 5.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 5.20 p.m.; and No. 48, Private Members' business, motion No. 9 re system of direction provision, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 7.30 p.m.

Although it is not customary to do so, I express my deepest sympathy to the family of Councillor Gary Wyse who, being from his area, was known to the Leader. He died yesterday prematurely at the age of 50 years, leaving behind four children. He was an exceptional councillor and would have had a bright future in politics.

No doubt he would have served in the Dáil after the next election. I offer my sympathy and that of the Fianna Fáil Senators on the loss of an excellent colleague well before his time.

With regard to the statements on Seanad reform, I understand the Taoiseach will respond at 3.50 p.m., but will he also be the first to speak?

Yes, briefly. I understand he will speak for two or three minutes.