Thursday scheduling difficulties
The Cathaoirleach criticises the disruption caused by Dáil voting on Thursdays, which forces the Seanad to pause for roughly ninety minutes; the Deputy Leader indicates agreement.
I express my concern that there is a new voting system in the Dáil on Thursdays which, in a sense, puts proceedings in this Chamber on hold from roughly 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. I am not sure how we can get around the problem, but we should reflect on it over the summer. On Thursdays we basically have to adjourn for an hour and a half because Ministers are tied up because there is block voting in the other House, which is not very satisfactory for us. Whether it is in the scheduling of committee meetings, a matter in which I have been involved for many years, or on this issue, the other House seems to have scant regard for our work here. That is unfair and not tenable. It should remember the acid test two years ago when in a referendum the people decided to keep this Chamber.
We should be shown a little more respect. We will look at the issue over the summer to see if there is a way around the problem. Perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges might deal with it.
Having said my piece, Senator Mark Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." I understand the Deputy Leader intends to accept the amendment.
