Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In relation to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, I appreciate that the majority of Members in the House would like to see the passage of this Bill. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, has indicated that she would be happy to see all Stages of this Bill being taken today, if the Opposition agrees. It is really dependent on the agreement of the Opposition. If the Opposition can indicate its agreement, then that can be so. That would mean the Dáil would sit later, but it has to be agreed across the board. We would then have an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Dáil shall sit not later than 5.30 p.m. today and shall adjourn at the conclusion of Topical Issues, which shall be taken on the conclusion of Second and Remaining Stages of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 [Seanad], and it shall be taken no later than 3.30 p.m. today, and the proceedings on the Second Stage shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after three hours. It is really for the House, and for all of the different groups in the House, to indicate.

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