The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the Irish language, to be taken at 1.10 p.m. and conclude not later than 2.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes in which to reply; No. 2, statements on driving test waiting times, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 3 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed four minutes each and the Minister to be given not less than two minutes in which to reply; No. 3, statements on the situation in Catalonia, to be taken at 3 p.m. and conclude not later than 4 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each, which time can be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than four minutes in which to reply; No. 4, statements on the report of the Joint Committee on Social Protection on the position of lone parents in Ireland, to be taken at 4 p.m. and adjourned not later than 5 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each; and No. 5, Private Members' business, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m., with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours.

Before I call Senator Catherine Ardagh, I said yesterday that I would make a decision on comments made in the Chamber about the eighth amendment. I have come to the conclusion that while the all-party committee which is chaired by the Deputy Leader is sitting to deal with the issue and doing its business, following which a report will be presented to both Houses before the end of the year, I will not encourage and will disallow any debate on the matter. It is also inappropriate for members of the committee to direct comments at each other in the Chamber and for others to defend such comments. The committee should be allowed to do its work. I have made that decision and hope it will be respected.

Some people made complaints against a certain Senator. There is a mechanism for the making of complaints against Members of this or the other House. It can be triggered if anybody feels he or she needs to so do. It is not the job of the Cathaoirleach to referee on this issue and I do not intend to do so. I expect the House to come on board and accept my decision.