Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is not in line with precedent. It was always the position for as long as I have been a Member of the House that the Private Members' vote was at 8.30 p.m. Whips wanted to keep it that way over the years because there is always the danger that Members would drift out of the Chamber at 8.30 p.m. In my view some other arrangement needs to be found. Tonight I will agree to the Deputy's request, but the Whips need to find some other way of doing it. The Private Members' vote was always at 8.30 p.m. and always should be. Otherwise, it only creates difficulties and dangers.

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