Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These are really matters for the Business Committee rather than matters to be resolved in this forum. The Ceann Comhairle is correct in saying that the reason the debate cannot happen on Wednesday or Thursday morning is because the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, along with a number of other Ministers, will be attending the national economic and social dialogue in Dublin Castle. That dialogue involves the social partners, unions, business groups and others.

However, I see from the agenda that two hours and ten minutes have been provided for statements on FEMPI between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday. I do not quite understand Deputy Boyd Barrett's definition of the graveyard slot. Many people work after 5 p.m. It is not a graveyard slot. It is not even the last thing on the agenda; a Sinn Féin Private Members' Bill will be taken afterward.

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