Amendments to Order of Business
The Chair put the amendments to the Order of Business to the House. Senator McDowell pressed his amendment, the first amendment was carried, and the Leader objected to the overall Order of Business after the vote.
Very well. Senator Ó Ríordáin has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 22 be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. Senator McDowell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 4 not be taken today and that a debate on the future of Europe be taken in its stead." Is the amendment being pressed?
Comment on this
On the importance of the decision which is the democratic decision of the Chamber, the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, will not be available tonight, as I informed Senators prior to the vote. I am happy to accept the decision of the House, but the Minister of State will not be available tonight because she has ministerial appointments. The other result of the vote is that we have created a disappointing precedent in the House. I will discuss the matter with Senator Horkan.