As Members are dealing with the Order of Business for today at present, I wish to address some concerns. I listened to my colleague, Senator Clonan, who expressed concern about an additional few minutes for statements on citizenship, a really important aspect of our work. I thank the Minister of State for making himself available. I know it is the Minister of State who is due here this afternoon, not the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, as were that the case, we might have a different scenario. However, we have to deal with the mechanisms open to us in this House.

As leader of the Seanad Independent Group, I respectfully ask the Deputy Leader and the Leader to consider an additional few moments. Alternatively, we will have to consider exercising a vote on the adjournment of the House today to make our point, and we will engage further on that. I suggest "Pragmatism with a big P". All politicians are familiar with pragmatism. The Order of Business can be amended or changed. Let us crystallise this. We are talking about statements. This is not legislation; these are statements on citizenship in our country. I propose we facilitate a minimum, between anyone, of five or ten minutes. I do not think that is an unreasonable request.

I want to put on the record of the House something I will pursue next week with the relevant sections, including the Seanad Office. The speakers list is a guide for the Cathaoirleach, Leas-Chathaoirleach or Acting Chair. It does not set the agenda of who is speaking. Many parties would have had people on a speaking list yesterday who did not actually come to speak because they had other things going on. It is to assist the Chair, but to suggest that somebody is looking at a speakers list to ascertain the level of interest or the amount of people coming from any particular group to speak is a dangerous precedent which we must not allow.

I want to be clear that I am not suggesting that. I am just saying the matter of who speaks in each group is a matter for the parties, their Whips and their individuals. I respect that, but that goes every way. As regards the suggestion that not too many people have expressed an interest today, they may change their minds in two hours. This is our House. It is open to us to operate within the Standing Orders. I know the Deputy Leader and she knows me. I want to be constructive. If we can facilitate a little flexibility, possibly five to ten minutes, I think we can all get our work done and can look at the system, the mechanisms and the concerns at another time. I would appreciate it if the Deputy Leader would consider that. I know her hands may be tied at this moment, but she might do so between now and when we come back to the next session. I am trying to be helpful. I also want to put a marker down to the Seanad Office on the speakers list and who circulates it. I do not know who gets it, but by close of business today I will know who gets that list every day. It is a guide to the Chair. It is not a guide to the Minister or anybody else as to how we conduct our business under Seanad Éireann's Standing Orders.

May I check with you, Senator Boyhan, are you proposing an amendment?

No. I suggest pragmatism and that the Deputy Leader reflect as to what is appropriate and have a chat with the Leader's office. I understand the dynamics. I am not 100% sure about the Minister's availability, but we are talking about five or ten minutes, not 30 minutes.