Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Order of Business is No. 22a— Budget Statement and the financial motions by the Minister for Finance 2005, to be taken on the conclusion of questions to members of the Government.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m and the motion for the General Financial Resolution shall be moved not later than 12 midnight whereupon business shall then be interrupted and the Dáil shall adjourn forthwith; (2) following the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance, the following arrangements shall apply in regard to the proceedings on No. 22a: (i) the statements of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party shall not exceed 75 minutes in each case; the statements of the main spokespersons for the Green Party, Sinn Féin and the Independent Members of the Technical Group shall not exceed 25 minutes in each case; and the statements shall be confined to the main spokespersons in each case; following the statements the sitting shall be suspended for 30 minutes; and all divisions demanded on No. 22a shall be taken manually. Private Members' business shall be No. 33, Good Samaritan Bill 2005 — Second Stage (resumed) to be taken at 12 noon and to conclude after 90 minutes, if not previously concluded.

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