I invite nominations for Chairman of the Special Committee.

I propose Deputy Jacob to be Chairman of the Special Committee.

I second that proposal.

If there are no other nominations, I now call on Deputy Jacob to take the Chair.

Deputy Jacob took the Chair.

Procedure Generally.

I thank Deputies for electing me as Chairman of this Special Committee. I will render to each and every Member of the Committee as fair, cooperative and efficient a chairmanship as I can.

There are three points we wish to make in relation to item No. 2 — Procedures. A circular has been sent to each Member — a copy of a motion agreed by Dáil Éireann on 10 July which outlines the procedures in relation to voting by the Committee. I understand these procedures have already obtained in other special committees. The motion also provides for a quorum.

Notice of Amendments.

Members should submit amendments to the Bills Office three working days before the date on which the sections of the Bill to which the amendments relate are considered by the Committee. For the benefit of the Committee, we define working days as non-weekend days. The most important point is the times of meetings, business, to be transacted etc. I will ask the Minister to comment on that.

The various Party representatives have met and had discussions. It was broadly agreed that we would sit this afternoon until 5 o'clock; on Thursday, 23 July 1992, we will commence proceedings at 10.30 a.m. and continue without setting a time for conclusion of business. We will resume on the following Wednesday, 29 July at 10.30 a.m., again without setting a time for concluding business. If we are unable in that time to deal with all the issues which may arise by way of amendment or otherwise, we will sit the following day, Thursday, 30 July at 10.30 a.m.

I know it is impossible to find a date that suits everybody but I was speaking to our party Whip, Deputy Boylan and while the arrangements for today and the week after next pose no difficulty for me, on Thursday, 23 July I have an important constituency matter to deal with. Either the Tuesday or Wednesday of that week would suit me.

This matter was discussed at the meeting and I indicated I had some problems with Wednesday. I am prepared to facilitate Deputy Yates by commencing at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday but that could involve much later sittings. Would everybody be happy with that?

That is Wednesday 22 July?

Yes. Wednesday, 22 July at 2.30 p.m.

The aim is to provide as much time as is necessary to discuss the Bill. We are trying to accommodate everybody.

For the benefit of everybody I will recap. Instead of the sitting of Thursday, 23 July, we will sit on Wednesday 22 July at 2.30 p.m. and finish late. Is that agreed? Agreed.

What is a quorum?

Seven.

What is the voting position when we come to an amendment or a series of amendments?

The voting position is as spelt out in the Order from the Dáil:

Where a division is demanded in the Special Committee on the Roads Bill, 1991, whenever the Chairman shall have declared the result, in his opinion, of the putting of the question, any Member may have his dissent from such declaration recorded in the official proceedings of the Committee by raising his hand when called upon to do so by the Chairman.".

There are more non-Government Deputies than Government Deputies. Is it true that there can be a vote at any time?

The position is that the Chairman will declare the result; this has happened in the Solicitors Bill and the Finance Bill.

My understanding is correct. A vote can take place at any time.

Yes, in accordance with the Order from the Dáil.

It would appear that the Government are presumed to carry all votes, though there may be a majority who oppose a decision. That majority dissent will be recorded but will not carry any decision.

Yes, the declaration by the Chair is the final result. It is different from other such committees on which I have sat, but apparently it is an Order of the Dáil and it is something to which we are all subject at this time. That position has obtained in the case of the Finance Bill and the Solicitors Bill in Special Committee.

I wanted to clarify that.

It is as well to clarify it at this point.

For the benefit of the Chair and Members, you could decide to do otherwise and then you would have a number of votes being cast and a lot of suggestions as to when votes were taken, etc. What we want is a conversational and developmental approach. This is an experiment and in the light of experience Members may decide other ways are more desirable.

It is worth pointing out at this stage that the names of Deputies dissenting will be put on the record.

Consideration of Bill.