Is it correct that a proposal was made to bring deliberations to a close at 10.30 p.m.?

I proposed that, if it is acceptable to the Minister, we should suspend proceedings for the vote in the Dáil at 8.30 p.m.

Does the committee wish to return afterward to conclude its consideration of the Bill?

No.

The last late-night session did the Minister no good.

I apologise. It was stated to me during the sos that the committee intended to reconvene after the vote at 8.30 p.m. in the Dáil. I would be happy to return at that point in order that the committee might bring its deliberations on the Bill to a conclusion.

Perhaps if we are close to concluding with the amendments.

Yes.

My difficulty is that I am meeting Herr Klaus Regling tomorrow morning and I understand that he is due to come before the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service tomorrow afternoon.

Yes. We had been given to believe that the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, would be appearing in the Minister's stead in the morning. It would be great if we could try to conclude our deliberations on the Bill tonight.

Yes, I believe we should try to do so.