IFA leadership and Bill timing
Senator Boyhan congratulated the new IFA president and deputy president, then objected to changing arrangements for legislation and warned against guillotining the Bill. The Cathaoirleach and Leader clarified the timetable, and Boyhan insisted the change showed the need for better handling of business.
At the outset, I want to congratulate the new president and vice-president of the IFA. County Laois suckler beef and sheep farmer, Francie Gorman, was elected the new president yesterday evening.
Also, Alice Doyle who is from Wexford, was elected deputy president. Alice Doyle is the first woman ever to hold the office of deputy president of the IFA. I wish both of them well as they start on a huge year. Agri-politics is a significant and very fragmented place, as we know in these Houses. There is a lot going on as we speak as the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine is having a meeting which has a full house due to the attendance of members, non-members, journalists and agricultural practitioners. The committee is having a lively debate, which we will hear a lot about on the news later on.
Leader, I have a difficulty with the Order of Business, as does my group. The Leader has proposed that the debate on the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023 would conclude at 6 p.m. by the putting of one question.
Comment on this
No, the Bill will adjourn at 6 p.m.
Comment on this
Sorry, I was not aware of that. When was that decision made?
Comment on this
Sorry, but I think this exchange makes my point. I want to signal to the House that it was the Government's decision earlier today. I mean we received notice last night but the Government had proposed to wrap up this legislation. That is not good enough and I appeal to the Leader not to wrap up business. The Leader and other Senators spent time here yesterday advocating for this Bill regarding an issue of grave concern to our city and county councillors, and it is constantly changing. I am glad that common sense has prevailed and this very important Bill will not be guillotined. A guillotine had been proposed as per the last version of the Order of Business that I read but the situation has changed and I take that on board. The Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is extremely important. Some Members on both sides of the House have difficulties with the Bill. I thank the Leader for her intervention and change of heart, or somebody's change of heart. I look forward to engaging this afternoon, on behalf of city and county councillors, on this very important Bill where commitments have been given on all sides of the House.