Referendum Bill scheduling
Senator Mullen questions whether Committee and Remaining Stages of referendum legislation will be taken together tomorrow and asks that the Leader reconsider; the Chair says tomorrow’s business will be decided then.
As I was not here at the start of the Order of Business, the Leas-Chathaoirleach may be able to assist me. Is it still proposed that Committee and Remaining Stages of the referendum legislation be taken tomorrow?
Comment on this
That is a matter to be considered for inclusion in the Order of Business tomorrow. The only business that has been ordered for today is No. 1, Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 - Committee Stage. The debate is to commence at 1.15 p.m. and adjourn no later than 7.30 p.m.
Comment on this
Committee Stage is being taken today.
Comment on this
Could we arrange to change it? When I was a member of the Committee of Procedure and Privileges and meeting the other groups, many of us took the view that taking Committee and Remaining Stages on the same day should very much be the exception rather than the rule. It would be particularly inappropriate to do so in the case of the referendum Bill tomorrow, not least because I have tabled four substantial amendments thereto on Committee Stage. I would like to believe tomorrow's deliberations might have an impact on the Government's decisions and that it will have time to reflect on the content of the amendments. Unless the Government agrees to them on Committee Stage, which would be rare, I would like Report Stage to be postponed until next Monday or Tuesday. That is the least a Bill of such social significance requires.
Comment on this
The point has been well made. This matter will be dealt with tomorrow morning by the Leader who will be here in person.
Comment on this
Perhaps the Deputy Leader would convey that to the Leader because it is significant and I want to give people early notice of that.