Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Whips for the issues they have raised. I will take on board everything that has been raised, but we had a meeting of the Business Committee last Thursday morning. The Ceann Comhairle was present at the meeting. Apart from one issue with regard to the time allocated, the Order of Business for this week was agreed.

I will, however, take on board comments that have been made. There will be statements on the Middle East tomorrow afternoon for three and a half hours. Next week there will also be post-European Council statements, which have been scheduled in. I agree wholeheartedly on having statements in the House on Pride and transgender healthcare. I would welcome that very much. I will work with the Whips and with my office to see what we can fit in for next week but as everybody knows there is only a limited amount of time. If some of the various parties and groupings would like to use their Private Members' time for some of these issues, they would be more than welcome.

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