Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chief Whip has a business proposal to put to us.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed, No. 1, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 72, that the division claimed on Second Stage of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016 on Thursday, 7 July, and any division that may be demanded on the referral to the committee of the same Bill shall be taken immediately after Topical Issues today; and No. 2, that Private Members' business, which shall be the motion re: regulation of charities, shall be taken this evening on the conclusion of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2016 for two hours.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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We object to the vote being taken today. We are only two or three weeks into a new system of voting, with votes due to take place on a Thursday, and we should stick with the system and not bend the rules so soon, those same rules having just been formed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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It might be useful if an explanation was given.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Yes.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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The Committee Stage was scheduled before the Second Stage could be passed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Could we hear the explanation, Deputy, please?

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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In the key of G.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is logic in this.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The explanation is that we would like, and I think we have agreed this at the business committee, to pass the legislation that is on the books for the next couple of weeks. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill is one of those Bills. We hope to be able to take Committee Stage of that Bill on Thursday. We cannot have a vote on a Bill on a Thursday morning and have Committee Stage on the Thursday afternoon.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely. It is common sense.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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With the acceptance and the forbearance of the House, I would like to have the vote on the Second Stage today.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We should do that by agreement. It is common sense. Otherwise, legislation cannot pass-----

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Correct, and we need it.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill is particularly important in regard to crime.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Thank you, Deputy Martin. Does anyone else wish to speak on this matter?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We agree.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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I wish to speak on a later matter in today's business.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are dealing with this matter.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is agreed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is it agreed? Can we agree it?

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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No, it is not agreed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not agreed.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Why is it not agreed?

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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We are against it because it criminalises people. It is not going to deal with the problem.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Then deal with the Bill.