Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call on the Government Whip to outline the new arrangements.

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed that statements on industrial action by public service unions over public service pay will be taken now for 80 minutes and on their conclusion at 6.40 p.m. statements on flooding will take place. Notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the House will sit until 9.10 p.m. tonight. The arrangements for speakers will be that the three opening speakers will have ten minutes each, with ten minutes for each other Member called and Members may share time. At the end of the statements, there will be 30 minutes of questions and answers.

By way of advice, the Whips will not be co-ordinating speakers so those who wish to speak will need to be in the Chamber and called upon at the discretion of the Chair.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Is the Government Whip also on strike?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Government Whip for the Government's response to this unprecedented situation. This is as it should be. At least it displays willingness on the part of the House to reflect on and respond to something that is of very serious concern to people. I recognise the generosity of the Government response in this matter.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I acknowledge the Government's agreement to proposals made earlier. I believe it is responding appropriately to what is an emergency situation in the country. I again express my appreciation to the Government Whip.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have no problem coming to this arrangement. We had planned on having a debate on flooding at 7 p.m. and it will now take place at 6.40 p.m. and will continue until 8.40 p.m., followed by questions and answers with the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, who have responsibility for the flood relief schemes and the immediate issues arising. Fine Gael is now withdrawing its Private Members' motion.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal agreed? Agreed.