Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand that the Government Chief Whip has a proposal for a minor amendment to the business for the week.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of the Dáil yesterday, that the Dáil sit later than 10 p.m. tonight and adjourn not later than 11 p.m. and that proceedings on the Estimates of the Department of Justice and Equality, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after two hours and 15 minutes. Second, as the Taoiseach will not be available next week, I propose that there will be no Questions to the Taoiseach next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is that agreed?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On the first point, in terms of extending the Dáil time, I have no difficulty with it, but it may point to a need to examine the scheduling of today and whether one should have lengthened the day at the other end. We commenced today at 12 noon. I know that the Dáil reform committee has examined the issue, but there is a logic to reviewing it fairly quickly. For example, there is no reason today's sitting could not have commenced at 10.30 a.m., which would have obviated the need to go to 11 p.m. tonight. This is intended as a constructive suggestion. The same would apply to Thursday mornings. I do not see the need to be waiting around. I know the rationale behind it. People felt the committees should be separate from the plenary session and not running in parallel. However, we are cutting ourselves short in terms of available time to do things and, in my view, some of the debates are very short. For example, yesterday's European debate was quite short. I would prefer greater time to debate matters. If that means sitting a little longer during the day, that is fine. I do not have an issue with it.

On the second point and the cancellation of Questions to the Taoiseach next week, which I understand as it is because he will be at the European Council meeting, will the Chief Whip make provision to reschedule them, perhaps on the Thursday of the following week?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The questions will be carried over anyway, but can they be rescheduled for the Thursday?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is another day's work, a Cheann Comhairle, because written answers are being provided and we do not get the opportunity to have a face-to-face debate.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We can look at the schedule. Given the new schedule, to which we are all working and readjusting, I find it difficult myself to ensure that there is enough time to put legislation through the House that has to go through it. However, the business committee has agreed to review weekly how the new process is working. We are tweaking and adjusting it. If any major changes are to be made to how we have re-ordered the House, we will do it at the end of this session.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The proposals are agreed.