Joe O'Toole (Independent)

In regard to No. 1 and the Leader's reference that the joint committee must report back no later than 28 November 2002, is that how it is to be dealt with? Perhaps the Chair can give me some guidance on the matter. The device of assigning and referring motions to a joint committee was meant to be an efficient way of doing business. Traditionally, it has been done without debate. The understanding was that when a matter had been dealt with in committee it would report back and its report would then be open for discussion. I am not clear if this is a Standing Order device simply to say we have referred the matter, or does it mean it will come back for debate?