Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Order of Business is No. 1, Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, to conclude not later than 1 p.m.; No. 2, Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude not later than 4 p.m.; No. 3, statements on the humanitarian consequences of the war in Iraq, to be taken from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes; and No. 12, motion No. 27, to be taken from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a sos from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

I am aware that a great number of Senators may wish to contribute to the statements and perhaps the Whips could have a quick meeting after the Order of Business to see how to divide up the time. We had sought with the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, who has agreed to come in, to take statements at 3.30 p.m., which would give us two and a half hours. While there are some amendments to the Central Bank Bill to be discussed, they might not take two hours. We are still pursuing that, but I will speak to the Whips after the Order of Business.